Better protections for workers on ACT Government projects
09 February 2018
ACT Government:
Consultation with representatives of
the territory’s employers and employees is underway to deliver the
Government’s election commitment to protect
local jobs and ensure
Canberra’s workers are treated fairly.
The Secure Local Jobs Package will introduce a number of measures to
make sure government contracts only go to those businesses that meet
high ethical and labour standards. This means Canberra businesses who do
the right thing will have a competitive advantage obtaining Government
work, and Canberrans can be sure public money only goes to businesses
that meet their obligations.
Over 10,000 new
jobs were created in Canberra in 2017, with government
projects such as the construction of
light rail and
University of
Canberra hospital contributing to these strong figures.
The Secure Local Jobs Package will:
-
Streamline existing procurement requirements to make it easier for businesses to bid for government projects;
-
Enhance compliance and enforcement measures, through a new unit within government;
-
Create clear requirements that businesses tendering for government work treat workers fairly and uphold their workplace rights and safety; and
-
Provide a clear, transparent process for businesses to resolve issues that arise with respect to ACT Government contracts.
The Secure Local Jobs Package also
recognises companies who do more for their workforce through training,
enhanced employment participation and health and wellbeing activities.
The introduction of the new arrangements will see the end of the
existing Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT Government and
UnionsACT.
Consultation on the Secure Local Jobs Package is now underway and will
run until 2 March 2018 with relevant stakeholders.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial
Relations, Rachel Stephen-Smith
“The Package will put the ACT Government’s procurement practices in a
nation-leading position as we seek to create local jobs that support
workers, particularly those in industries where insecure work and poor
employment practices are common.”
“While the Secure Local Jobs Package will deliver for local workers,
businesses who do the right thing will also benefit. The Package will
legislate a level playing field for companies competing for government
work.”
“This package rewards businesses who do the right thing by their workers
and abide by their industrial obligations. Tougher compliance checks
will catch companies seeking to give themselves a competitive advantage
by avoiding their legal obligations.”
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA
External Links: https://www.procurement.act.gov.au/about/Canberra-Region-Local-Industry-Participation-Policy
Recent news by: ACT Government