1 Introduction
1.1 A Cooperative and Integrated Approach
1.2 Key Priorities
1.3 Objectives
1.4 Application
1.5 Monitoring
1.1 A Cooperative and Integrated Approach
To ensure its continued contribution to economic growth, the Queensland Government is committed to the development and long-term viability of the building and construction industry in Queensland. This commitment embraces a wide range of initiatives dealing with such issues as licensing, dispute resolution, security of payment, tendering and selection processes, cooperative industrial relations, workplace health and safety, and skill development.
Improved performance in the building and construction industry has a marked influence on the wellbeing of the Queensland economy. To sustain this performance in an increasingly globalised market, the industry must strive for continuous improvement, integration, value for money and international competitiveness. These outcomes will create economic and social benefits, particularly in terms of increased economic activity and employment, and a skilled and adaptable workforce.
The Queensland Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry (the Code) is a key element of the Government’s industry-development strategy. This Code outlines specific principles and standards of behaviour that underpin best practice while promoting positive change in the industry. In particular, the Code promotes a shift in industry culture away from the prevailing adversarial approach to a more cooperative model.
1.2 Key Priorities
As a major client of the building and construction industry, the Queensland Government will provide leadership in effecting major improvements in the way business is conducted. The Queensland Government’s Key Priorities in this regard are:
- a viable and growing Industry;
- the achievement of world’s best practice and international competitiveness by the Queensland industry;
- the establishment of cooperative, long-term relationships between Government and the industry; and
- quality and value-for-money outcomes that will continue to improve public and private infrastructure for Queenslanders.
The introduction of the Code expresses a commitment by the Queensland Government to deal only with organisations and personnel whose standards of behaviour conform to the principles of the Code.
1.3 Objectives
The Objectives of the Code are to:
- define ethics and standards of behaviour expected of all parties;
- encourage best practice and improve the performance of all parties in the industry in Queensland;
- promote a cooperative (non-adversarial) approach by all parties in their dealings with one another to achieve the Key Priorities;
- outline expectations of performance for industrial relations;
- outline expectations for workplace health and safety and environmental management;
- outline the standards the Queensland Government requires as a client;
- maximise opportunities for local industry participation as an aspect of value for money;
- encourage high standards within the building and construction industry by seeking from those involved in the industry a commitment to comply with the spirit and intent of all laws, regulations, codes of practice and contracts relating to the industry;
- encourage professional development and industry training;
- support the principles of sustainable development; and
- encourage innovation and the use of technology.
1.4 Application
The Code of Practice and any Implementation Guidelines, which expand on key aspects and objectives of the Code, must be observed by all parties involved in building and engineering contracts, maintenance contracts and consultants’ commissions with any Government agency. They also prescribe what Government agencies must observe in their dealings with the industry. Projects involving private sector participation in the provision of public infrastructure, including Build/Own/Operate (BOO) will be subject to the Code when expressly provided for.
Parties seeking Government building and construction work are required to adhere to the Code in all their operations. All parties involved in local government and non-government building and construction work are encouraged to adopt this Code on a voluntary basis.
This Code applies to all procurement processes relating to all building and construction contracts and consultant commissions for which tenders are invited. The Code does not apply retrospectively.
The application of the provisions of the Code is, at all times, subject to the provisions of any legislation and relevant individual contracts.
1.5 Monitoring
A consultative committee consisting of Government, industry associations and unions will:
- monitor and encourage compliance by all parties with the Code; and
- review processes to ensure the Key Priorities and Objectives are achieved.
Last updated July 22, 2005
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