The government earlier this week announced it would move to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission, with legislation set to be introduced later this year.
Should the legislation not pass, Employment Minister Tony Burke said the government would allow for funding for the commission to lapse.
The watchdog's commissioner Stephen McBurney said while he expected the new government to scrap the body, he was taken aback by the speed of the move.
"We were not consulted on the decision announced on Sunday, but we've been aware for some time of the government's intention to abolish our agency," he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"I was surprised at the extent to which the code has been amended ... it's a decision for governments as to what the future of the code is and what powers, functions and duties they wish for us to perform."
The commission was set up in 2016 by the coalition to oversee the construction sector.
The government said the commission's powers would be reduced to the bare legal minimum before reverting to the Fair Work Ombudsman and to health and safety regulators
Mr McBurney said the ombudsman would need ongoing funding to carry out cases in the future such as the ones currently overseen by the commission.
"I've got a legal budget of $5 million per year, I understand that that's what the government is currently considering," he said.
"We've got a considerable amount of work to do between now and October to ensure there is a seamless transition of function to the Fair Work Ombudsman."
Mr McBurney is set to retain his $450,000 salary while work continues on abolishing the commission.
"In terms of my job, it hasn't changed," he said.
"All of my powers, functions and duties are derived from my act ... none of them changed as a result of the announcements on Sunday, other than some responsibilities under the code."
21°C