From 7 November 2019, businesses that want to provide services worth more than $200,000 to the ACT Government must have a Code Certificate and Labour Relations, Training and Workplace Equity Plan.
From January this year businesses tendering for construction, cleaning, security or traffic management work have been required to meet workplace standards in the Secure Local Jobs Code and have a Secure Local Jobs Code Certificate in order to do work for the ACT Government. Where the value of the work is over $25,000 a Labour Relations, Training and Workplace Equity Plan is also required.
This scheme has now expanded and from 7 November 2019, businesses that want to provide services worth more than $200,000 to the ACT Government must have a Code Certificate and Labour Relations, Training and Workplace Equity Plan.
The Certificate Application requires the declaration (and evidence) of:
- systems to ensure compliance with the Secure Local Jobs Code
- payment of wages, superannuation and tax
- workers compensation and public liability insurance
- payment of employment entitlements
- past legal proceedings
- health and safety systems
- associated entities of directors
The Plan requires evidence of how an employer supports job security, health and wellbeing, diversity and career development. Employees must be consulted on completion of the Plan. There are different Plans depending on the value of the services to be provided. You can find the forms here.
Businesses must have a Code Certificate before they tender and for the duration of the project. Businesses will need to engage an approved auditor to assess whether they meet Secure Local Jobs requirements and can apply for a Code Certificate.
Practically, it can take some time for organisations to collate all the relevant information and complete the forms properly. Once the ACT Government receives the completed Auditor Report, it generally turns certificates around in 2 working days.
If you are a client of Griffin Legal we cannot conduct your audit. We can, however, assist with your application and ensure your workplace is compliant by contacting us here. We can also refer you to an auditor.