The Federal Government is aiming to streamline the tender process for Government funded building works after releasing the Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry paper.

 

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said the revised Guidelines, to be implemented from 1 May 2012, would help business to comply with Government tender requirements. 

 

“We are committed to strengthening this sector and through this, supporting jobs and investment throughout Australia,” Mr Shorten said.

 

“In support of that aim, the Guidelines have been revised and simplified to reflect the obligations set out in the Government’s Fair Work Act 2009, other key legislation governing building and construction sector workplaces, the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines and the Fair Work Principles. 

 

The guidelines will aim to clarify the responsibilities of employers in the sector, including in relation to shame contracting and the engagement of non citizens/ non residents.

 

“Employers found to have engaged in the practice of sham contracting will be considered to have committed a fundamental breach of the guidelines.  Furthermore, employers must ensure that those engaged in the performance of construction work are lawfully entitled to work under Australian law,” Mr Shorten said.

 

The Government will consult with industry ahead of the 1 May 2012 commencement.  The revised guidelines are available at www.deewr.gov.au/building