This section provides information on whole-of-Government policies, other than the Capital Works Management Framework and Maintenance Management Framework that are relevant to the planning and delivery of government building projects. The information covers the Queensland Code of Practice, Indigenous Employment Policy, the 10 per cent Training Policy, art + place policy framework and the Local Industry Policy.
The Queensland Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry provides a framework of behaviour and ethics for all participants to follow in their dealings with one another. It encourages the highest ethical standards in all construction related activities. It also broadly outlines the Queensland Government’s requirements in relation to the conduct of business with the industry. It asks all participants to work towards an agreed agenda of industry development and commit to compliance with its principles. The Code of Practice was approved by State Cabinet in August 2000.
The Queensland Code of Practice was developed out of a need, identified by both industry and government, to recognise the concerns and unique characteristics of the Queensland building and construction industry – and also to reflect Queensland’s legislation.
The Queensland Code of Practice is a key element of the Government’s industry development strategy, particularly in relation to promoting a more cooperative model by which government and industry can do business.
The Queensland Code of Practice is required to be observed by all parties involved in building and construction (including engineering) contracts, maintenance contracts and consultants' commissions with any Queensland Government agency (as that term is defined in the Code). The Queensland Code applies equally to these government agencies.
Parties seeking Queensland Government building and construction work are required to adhere to the Queensland Code of Practice in all their operations. Parties involved in local government and non-government building and construction work, while not bound by the Queensland Code of Practice, are encouraged to adopt it on a voluntary basis.
The Queensland Government encourages all parties to embrace and support the principles of the Queensland Code of Practice. Breaches of the Queensland Code, however, as may be evidenced through non-compliance or unethical activity, may result in sanctions being invoked. Where the breach also involves any law or statute, the matter will be referred to the relevant enforcement agency.
Compliance with the Queensland Code of Practice is a requirement of all parties and as such is a condition of Prequalification for building industry contractors and consultants wishing to compete for government building projects. In applying for or renewing PQC registration, an applicant is making a commitment to comply with the Queensland Code. Compliance with the Queensland Code will also be monitored during projects and reported upon. Proven breaches of the Code by prequalified contractors and consultants may lead to sanctions being applied.
Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects (IEP 20% Policy) [EXTERNAL SITE]
The Indigenous Employment Policy applies to all Queensland Government funded building and civil construction projects in specified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on a project-by-project basis.
It requires contractors to ensure employment and accredited training occurs on Queensland Government building and civil construction sites, and that a minimum of 20 per cent of the total labour hours on any such site in specified Indigenous communities be undertaken by Indigenous people recruited from the local community.
Compliance with government policy (including the Indigenous Employment Policy) is a condition of the Prequalification (PQC) System administered by the Department of Public Works. Prequalified building industry contractors will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the policy and this information will ultimately be considered in any review of their PQC registration status.
The 10 per cent Training Policy requires that a minimum of 10 per cent of the total labour hours on any Queensland Government building or civil construction project (valued over $250,000 for building or $500,000 for civil construction) must be undertaken by apprentices, trainees, cadets or Indigenous workers or used for the upskilling of existing employees (to a maximum of 25 per cent of the deemed hours).
The 10 per cent Training Policy is designed to maximise the potential of Queensland Government capital works projects to address skill shortages and create additional employment opportunities for apprentices, trainees, cadets and Indigenous workers in the building and construction industry.
Compliance with Government policy (including the 10 per cent Training Policy) is a condition of the Prequalification (PQC) System administered by the Department of Public Works. Prequalified building industry contractors will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the policy and this information will ultimately be considered in any review of their PQC registration status.
The art + place policy framework is designed to create better public spaces across Queensland. The policy supports the public art fund announced in the 2007-08 State Budget. The fund provides for an allocation of $12million over 3 years to public art.
The policy framework acknowledges the vital contribution public art makes to the experience of public spaces within the built environment of Queensland’s cities and remote and regional centres.
Under the policy framework, Queensland Government departments, local government, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, arts and cultural festivals and private sector partners are able to access the fund managed by Arts Queensland.
The Local Industry Policy, administered by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to ensuring that local industry is given a full, fair and reasonable opportunity to be considered for major project work being undertaken in Queensland, in both the public and private sectors.
Project proponents are encouraged to seek out capable local industry for their projects. Proponents should also encourage, and assist where necessary, local industry to become internationally competitive and to be ready for the opportunities available from participating in global supply chains for major Queensland infrastructure and resource based projects.
The Local Industry Policy applies to infrastructure and resource based projects valued at more than $5 million that are undertaken by departments and agencies, and to similar projects in regional and rural Queensland valued at more than $2.5 million. Private sector projects supported by government may also be subject to the provisions of the Policy.
The Policy also applies to capital asset acquisitions valued at more than $5 million by departments and agencies and requires the relevant aspects of a Local Industry Participation Plan to be developed, and incorporated in the Significant Procurement Plan for the acquisition.
