Role of Government in the Scheme
The role of client agencies will be influenced primarily by the requirements of the Scheme. Section 35(4) and (5) of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 indicates that:
Australian Government agencies are to ensure that for building work which falls within the scope of the Scheme that
a) any contract for building work will only be entered into with a builder who is an accredited person; and
b) any funding arrangement (direct or indirect), or pre construction lease agreement, will stipulate that any building work will only be entered into with builders who are accredited persons when they carry out the building work.
The role of all government agencies under the Scheme is also a reflection of the broader government commitment to the NOHSC National Strategy 2005-2012. The Strategy is aimed at engendering a national approach to improving OHS performance and State and Territory commitment to achieving the national targets as outlined in the Strategy. The publication Advice to agencies: Applying the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme summarises the role of agencies under the Scheme.
Responsibilities of Government under the Scheme
The OFSC will be working with Australian Government agencies, and other funding recipients, and expects that these agencies give specific attention to OHS in the awarding and management of contracts within the scope of the Scheme.
Responsibilities of all agencies under the Scheme will include:
Planning stage: During the planning stage Australian Government agencies, and other funding recipients, will need to familiarise themselves with the operation and conditions of the Scheme and ensure that tender documents and funding agreements include the requirement to comply with the Scheme requirements. The Model Clauses booklet will give further guidance.
Design and Procurement stage: Prior to signing any building contract, Australian Government agencies and other funding recipients, will need to confirm that builders have achieved accreditation under the Scheme. Australian Government agencies, and other funding recipients, will also need to inform the OFSC of the successful builder.
Construction stage: Australian Government agencies and other funding recipients, will need to ensure that contractual arrangements reflect the requirements of the Scheme.
Completion stage: At the end of the project, clients agencies and other funding recipients, will need to provide an end of project OHS report summarising builder performance across the period of the project.
Further details are provided in the Guidance for Australian Government Agencies including templates for the contract notification and the end of project OHS report.
Related Links
The Accreditation Scheme
Apply for Accreditation
Scheme Documentation