LOCAL builders will now be able to build Commonwealth Government housing projects, following the Coalition Government's removal of barriers preventing this.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These changes are part of the Government's reforms to the Federal Safety Commissioner OHS Accreditation Scheme, which applies to a range of OHS obligations to building contractors that tender for Commonwealth Government work, the Member for Lyne, David Gillespie, said.
As a part of the Coalition Government's deregulation agenda, the Government has announced that the building and construction sector on the Mid North Coast will directly benefit from the initiatives, including by providing that builders who tender for Australian Government projects will:
* no longer need to be accredited with the Federal Safety Commissioner (accreditation) to undertake single dwelling residential construction, regardless of the number of dwellings, while still being subject to both Federal and State workplace health and safety laws;
* no longer need to obtain certification to the AS/NZS 4801:2001 or OHSAS 18001:2007 standard as a prerequisite for applying for accreditation; and
* not need accreditation for projects of less than $4 million.
"This is a strong local win that will see more local builders be able to tender for Commonwealth Government work, which is good for jobs and good for our local economy," Dr Gillespie said.
"These commonsense changes will help local businesses while still requiring that they comply with the Work Health and Safety laws."
"I am very pleased with this announcement after my advocacy to the minister on this issue and it will have a very positive impact for our local area in addition to many local infrastructure projects.
"Since the 2013 election, the Coalition Government has announced more than $2.1 billion in red and green tape savings for the business and not-for-profit sectors.
"This is more than double our commitment to remove $1 billion in red and green tape from our economy each year."
Minister for Employment Senator Eric Abetz said: "David Gillespie has been a firm advocate for more jobs in the local area and in particular ensuring that local builders have greater access to Commonwealth Government work.
"His advocacy on this issue has led to this decision that will be a great boost for the local area."
