New rules for procuring goods and services for the ACT Government have been introduced into the Legislative Assembly to ensure that businesses securing public sector work meet the highest of ethical and labour standards.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr and Minister for Industrial Relations, Rachel Stephen-Smith announced the Government Procurement (Secure Local Jobs) Amendment Bill 2018, which is intended to ensure Canberra’s workers are treated fairly.
Mr Barr said the Bill not only supported and protected workers in companies that undertook ACT Government work, it also rewarded businesses that met their industrial and employment obligations.
“The Bill will help to ensure there is a level playing field for those seeking ACT Government work and simplify the process businesses must undertake in order to secure ACT Government contracts,” Mr Barr said.
“Too often over recent years, we have seen evidence, both locally and nationally, of employers entering into sham contracting arrangements, exploiting visa workers, and avoiding their industrial, workers’ compensation and taxation obligations.”
Mr Barr said the Government had been mindful of the limits of its authority as a Territory in crafting what he described as a nation-leading package of reforms.
“The ACT Government cannot change industrial relations rules,” the Chief Minister said.
“We cannot restore penalty rates or abolish the anti-union Australian Building and Construction Commission.”
Mr Barr said, however, the legislation was one way of standing up for Canberra’s workers — by using the Government’s purchasing power to demonstrate the standards it expected to see across the economy.
He said a consultation draft of the Secure Local Jobs Code has also been released for public comment and all sectors are encouraged to have their say.
ACT Regional Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Brooke Muscat-Bentley said the legislation was “a good day for workers in the ACT”.
“Public Servants managing contracts will benefit from clear rules and a focus on protecting workers’ rights in contracting companies,” Ms Muscat-Bentley said.
Mr Barr said the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism is seeking written submissions on the Bill, to be lodged by 31 August.
It is due to report back to the Assembly by 30 September.
Further information on the new rules and code can be found at this PS News link and the 16-page consultation paper can be found here.
