New Construction Procurement Guidelines to promote better practices

From 1 October 2019, government agencies awarding construction contracts valued over $9 million must take into consideration what training and skills development will be included in the project.
The Guidelines include a range of standards of good practice aimed at improving the quality and consistency of Government’s construction procurement.

The Guidelines are designed to ensure agencies only award contracts to construction companies that:

• have strong management in place
• incorporate sustainable construction practices such as using materials that minimise waste
• offer the best value to the public over the whole life of the building
• are willing to invest in upskilling staff, hiring apprentices, and improving worker conditions

Accord Co-Chair Peter Reidy and CE of Fletcher Construction welcomes the Guidelines and their reflection of the Accord principles.

"The Guidelines support agencies to take a whole-of-life approach to construction rather than just securing the cheapest price. They also support greater transparency with respect to risk, and the adoption of standard contracts as opposed to 'bespoke' contracts.

"For the Construction Sector Accord, this is a pivotal step in helping to transform the sector," says Peter Reidy.

Find out more about the Construction Procurement Guidelines(external link).