The Construction Industry Culture Taskforce has as its core objective the development of a Culture Standard for the construction industry, implemented through procurement processes across the jurisdictions of Australia.
This Culture Standard seeks to support a construction industry where:
- everyone has a place and feels valued,
- wellbeing is prioritised across all job roles, and
- everyone has access to flexible work options and caps on working hours, so they have time for life.
The Culture Standard supports diversity and inclusion for people from all ages, genders, cultures and heritages. It has been drafted to supplement existing procurement rules and requirements as well as legislation in effect across Australia’s jurisdictions and does not override the policies, laws and responsibilities already in place.
Indigenous and First Nations Peoples of Australia
The involvement of Indigenous and First Nations Peoples and businesses in the construction industry is supported by procurement policies across Australia and by this Culture Standard.
The Culture Standard seeks to ensure that, in supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, Indigenous and First Nations People and their culture are respected and embraced by the construction industry, providing industry, Indigenous People and their communities with value through partnership.
The Culture Standard does not include metrics or targets surrounding participation of Indigenous People in the construction industry as these are already stipulated in existing procurement rules for the construction industry.
Further information on indigenous procurement rules for the construction industry across Australia can be found below:
For information on how your organisation can further support the national reconciliation movement, please visit Reconciliation Australia.
Equal Employment & Anti-Discrimination
The Culture Standard seeks to support a construction industry where everyone has a place and feels valued. This is consistent with the principles of equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination.
In Australia, there are federal, state and territory laws to protect people from discrimination and harassment in the workplace and access to equal employment opportunities.
These laws place obligations on employers which may differ from state to state.
The Culture Standard does not seek to override or duplicate these laws. Employers in the construction industry should ensure they are aware of and comply with their obligations under any applicable state and federal legislation.
For more information please visit: The Australian Human Rights Commission.