The processes of procurement in the ACT Public Service may be in for a change in the near future with Procurement ACT proposing a new policy to increase job opportunities for women in the construction industry.
Welcoming the Agency’s discussion paper Women in Construction Procurement Policy the Special Minister for State, Chris Steel said the proposed women in construction procurement policy supported commitments made through the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 to establish procurement that prioritised contractors with gender equity strategies.
“Women don’t usually get that choice in construction, and we want to change that,” Mr Steel said.
He said the policy would require suppliers tendering for ACT Government construction contracts estimated at $5 million or more to meet set targets for the number of women employed in different job categories; improve working conditions for women in construction; and have internal plans in place to achieve gender equity in the workplace.
“It will also contribute to reducing the gender bias and increase the ambition of women and girls to take up careers in the construction industry,” the Minister said.
In a statement, Procurement ACT said the policy would help Government buyers undertaking construction procurements to comply with the Procurement Values Direction 2020, by upholding the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Procurement Value.
“The policy will be consistent with, and expand on, existing obligations under the Secure Local Jobs Code,” Procurement ACT said.
“This includes the requirement to provide secure employment, evidence of business strategies and processes to support employment of diverse groups, including women, and address barriers to employment or career development for people from these groups in their Labour Relations, Training and Workplace Equity Plans.”
Procurement ACT’s 12-page discussion paper is open for feedback until 17 May and can be accessed at this PS News link.
