Australia’s building and construction industry will benefit from greater certainty under a Code for Commonwealth funded building and construction work released today.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten today announced the Building Code 2013 would take effect on 1 February 2013.

 The Building Code 2013 codifies the current Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry. 

 Mr Shorten said the Building Code 2013 would cut red tape by allowing building contractors and industry participants to more easily demonstrate compliance with a range of requirements relevant to building work, including the Fair Work Act 2009, Work Health and Safety laws, Migration Act 1958, Independent Contractors Act 2006, Privacy Act 1988 and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

 The Code, issued under the Fair Work (Building Industry) Act 2012, signifies the government’s firm commitment to ensuring all participants in the building and construction industry have a clear set of consistent standards.

 “The building and construction industry is a key factor in the success of the Australian economy and the Government is committed to strengthening the sector to help support jobs, growth and productivity,” Mr Shorten said.

 Briefing for industry participants on the Building Code 2013 will be provided by the Department.

 Supporting guidance material for Commonwealth Funding Entities will also be issued to assist them to ensure Commonwealth funded work is only undertaken by building contractors and participants that comply with the Code.

 The Building Code 2013 and the Supporting Guidelines for Commonwealth Funding Entities are available at www.deewr.gov.au/BuildingCode.

 Mr Shorten’s Media Contact: Sam Casey – 0421 697 660