Strengthening the Fair Jobs Code for fair and safe workplaces

The Victorian Government is strengthening the Fair Jobs Code to ensure even more businesses bidding for government tenders and procurements are providing fair and safe workplaces for their employees.

From 1 September, the Code will apply to all government contracts worth $1 million and over – a reduction from the current threshold of $3 million for direct contracts and $10 million for subcontracts.

The threshold for business expansion grants will remain at $500,000.

The Fair Jobs Code requires businesses that are awarded Victorian Government tenders and grants to adhere to the fair and safe workplace standards expected by the Victorian community.

This includes demonstrating they have a history of complying with relevant industrial laws and that their workplaces are fair, safe and secure.

Over the next 3 months, a series of information and education sessions will be available to businesses and suppliers that want to learn more about the updated Code before it comes into effect in September.

Since December 2022, over 4,400 pre-assessment certificates have been issued to businesses across a wide range of industries, including leading construction company Multiplex which is the appointed builder for, among others, the new Footscray Hospital.

A public register of businesses that have obtained a pre-assessment certificate is available on Buying for Victoria.

There’s no cost to businesses to apply for a pre-assessment certificate and most applications can be completed in under 20 minutes. For more information, visit: Fair Jobs Code.