Released 03/02/2018
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.”
Consultation papers can be accessed here: https://www.procurement.act.gov.au/about/Canberra-Region-Local-Industry-Participation-Policy
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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