Compliance

Compliance

The Secure Local Jobs Registrar is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code and investigating any complaints of noncompliance. Anyone who reasonably believes that a business is not adhering to the Code can file a written complaint with the Registrar. The Registrar will then determine the appropriate course of action, which may include working with the business to address the issue, conducting an investigation, or requesting an audit. If an investigation is launched, the business will have the opportunity to respond to the complaint. If the complaint concerns noncompliance with other legislation, the Registrar may refer it to the relevant regulatory authority.

Strengthened Compliance Powers

Starting March 1, 2022, authorized government officers will have the power to enter and inspect businesses to investigate noncompliance with the Secure Local Jobs Code. If the Registrar suspects a business is not in compliance, they can suspend the business's certificate or impose conditions for a specified period. These increased compliance measures aim to encourage businesses to meet the highest standards in pay, employment conditions, superannuation, worker safety, and tax compliance.

Past performance to inform future contract work

The Secure Local Jobs Code is also being updated to ensure that a business's past performance is considered when awarding contracts for territory-funded work. Tenderers will need to provide information about their compliance with the Code and previous commitments in their Labour, Relations, Workplace Training and Equity Plan (LRWTE Plan) when applying for ACT Government contracts.

Consequences of non-compliance

Noncompliance with the Code can result in suspension or cancellation of a Code Certificate, or the imposition of conditions on it. For example, a business may not be able to apply for a Code Certificate for 12 months. The Registrar can also assign infringement points for noncompliance. If a business accumulates 100 infringement points over two years, their Code Certificate can be suspended or canceled. The Secure Local Jobs Code Complaints and Noncompliance Investigation Guidelines provide more information on the complaints process and consequences of noncompliance.

Advisory Council

The Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council advises the Minister on the operation of the Code. The Minister appoints the members, who include the Registrar (non-voting), representatives of employee interests, and individuals with relevant qualifications or experience.

The Advisory Council is comprised of the following appointed members:

  • Michael Young – Secure Local Jobs Code Registrar and Chair
  • Kasey Tomkins – Employee representative
  • Michael Hiscox – Employee representative
  • Patrick Bates – Employee representative
  • Josh Rynehart – Member
  • Anna Neelagama – Member
  • Greg Harford – Member

Advisory Council communiques

Meeting 28

11 November 2025

Summary of discussions

The Chair welcomed members to the Secure Local Jobs Code (SLJC) Advisory Council (Council) Meeting and conducted an acknowledgment of country.

Members were advised of recent legislative amendments to the Government Procurement Act 2001 (the Act) that legislate for the Chair role of the Council to be the SLJC Registrar.

Members endorsed the minutes of the previous meeting held in May 2025.

Members discussed and endorsed a couple of minor administrative amendments to the Council’s Terms of Reference.

The Chair provided an update from the SLJC Registrar with invitation for discussion from Members including on:

  • possible SLJC-related data that the Council would benefit from receiving / accessing
  • work that the SLJC Branch is doing to explore options to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of administrative processes in relation to SLJC requirements, including undertaking a SLJC certification user experince survey, and
  • the SLJC Branch’s metrics, recent trends and education and outreach activities.

Procurement ACT provided an update to Members about amendments to the Act that were recently introduced in the Legislative Assembly.

Members were advised that meeting dates for 2026 will be scheduled in due course.

Michael Young

Chair, Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council

Support

If you need support, contact the Secure Local Jobs team.