National Code of Practice revised for building and construction industry

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, recently released the revised Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry.

The revision of the code demonstrates the Australian government’s commitment to promoting best-practice workplace relations and ensuring the safest and the highest ethical and lawful standards are maintained across the industry.

The code and guidelines outline the responsibilities of Australian government agencies as clients, as well as for project managers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, related entities, industrial associations and employers in the construction industry.

The guidelines have been revised to reflect the Fair Work Act 2009 and suggestions the Hon. Murray Wilcox QC made in his recent report, ‘Transition to Fair Work Australia for the Building and Construction Industry’.

Extensive consultations have also been undertaken by the government with all major stakeholders, including employee and employer associations and major contractors as well as state and territory governments.

The government believes the guidelines will assist in encouraging lawful behaviour in the industry for the benefit of all participants and will support productivity in the sector.

A copy of the revised guidelines is available at: www.deewr.gov.au/building.