The National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry (National Code) establishes minimum standards businesses must meet to be eligible to undertake certain building and construction projects funded by the Australian Government.
The Australian Government Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry (Guidelines) provide further details on National Code compliance requirements.
On 9 July 2009 the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, released the revised
Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry [PDF 228KB] (2009 Guidelines)
. The 2009 Guidelines will apply to all projects where expressions of interest or tenders are called for on or after
1 August 2009. For more information see the
Which Guidelines apply? page.
Which Guidelines apply?
There are several versions of the Guidelines available. The version that applies to your project will depend upon the type of project it is and the date the project was released for tender.
About the National Code and Guidelines
The National Code and 2009 Guidelines sets out best practice principles that reflect national workplace relations laws. The National Code applies to certain Australian Government construction projects and is endorsed by the Australian, state and territory governments.
When the National Code applies
The National Code applies to construction projects that are fully funded by the Australian Government. It also applies to many projects that are partly funded by the Australian Government.
Becoming National Code compliant
There are certain steps that must be taken to become and remain National Code compliant, in particular, ensuring that your workplace relations arrangements are consistent with the National Code and 2009 Guidelines.
Monitoring the National Code
A number of government bodies are charged with administering the National Code. The ABCC is responsible for educating the industry and monitoring compliance with the National Code. As part of the monitoring process, the ABCC conducts site visits, inspections and audits.
Breaches and sanctions
When a business is found to have breached the National Code, a sanction may be imposed. Sanctions range from a formal warning to preclusion from tendering for Australian Government construction projects for a fixed period.
Publications and other resources
In addition to the National Code and Guidelines a number of guides, fact sheets and model tenders and contract documentation have been produced to assist you. These are available for download.
2006 Implementation Guidelines
The 2006 Implementation Guidelines will continue to apply to all projects that commenced under these Guidelines.