Released 10/12/2021 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is raising the bar on workers’ rights and safety through a new procurement process that will ensure government contracts go to the most ethical suppliers.
“We want Canberra to be a place where good jobs are available for everyone. Strengthening our procurement framework is an important way to ensure the ACT Government is only doing business with companies that do the right thing by their workers,” said Special Minister of State Chris Steel.
“This is especially important as we continue to make record investments in infrastructure through our local construction sector, to ensure that both workers and companies benefit from this investment.
“The new Ethical Treatment of Workers assessment will also help ensure a level playing field for businesses, so that ethical companies don’t get undercut by firms who don’t take workers’ rights or safety seriously,” said Minister Steel.
The assessment will be used for procurements that require a Secure Local Jobs Code Certificate, have a total estimated value of $200,000 or more, and are conducted by open tender.
Under this new process, the Government will assess suppliers against criteria which considers their compliance with the Secure Local Jobs Code and alignment with the government’s Fair and Safe Conditions for Workers procurement value.
This assessment will determine whether a supplier is eligible to proceed for assessment against other procurement criteria like capability and price. It is designed to ensure that government agencies consider employment and safety outcomes for workers as a key factor in procurements.
Minister for Industrial Relations Mick Gentleman said this framework would build on the Secure Local Jobs Code established in 2019 to strengthen its effectiveness.
“The 2020 review of the operation of the Secure Local Jobs Code recommended implementing a two-stage process to assess suppliers for their compliance with employment and safety standards. We are acting on that recommendation to raise the bar for workers through the government’s own significant purchasing,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This will support local businesses that do the right thing, while giving other companies a strong incentive to improve their practices to deliver fairer and safer workplaces across the Territory.”
The Ethical Treatment of Workers Evaluation and associated guidance materials have been developed by Secure Local Jobs Code Branch and Procurement ACT, in consultation with the Secure Local Jobs Branch Advisory Council, comprised of business and union representatives.
The new process will commence from 1 February 2022.Policy and guidance material on the Ethical Treatment of Workers evaluation will be available on the Procurement ACT website in early 2022.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases