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.
Chair
Vacant
Secure Local Jobs Code Registrar
Mr Geoffrey Rutledge was appointed as the Secure Local Jobs Code Registrar in January 2024.
Geoffrey Rutledge is a people-centric leader with a strong focus on governance and transparency in decision making. With over 20 years’ experience in the ACT public sector, he has held positions across Chief Minister’s, policy, corporate, education, environment, and climate change sectors. Geoffrey has successfully led a number of complex policy, program and service delivery roles and has oversighted major program delivery procurements, particularly in capital works. Geoffrey holds a Master of Public Policy, Executive Master of Public Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.
Not on the CV – Geoffrey provides an on-demand transport service for his two teenagers; proudly calls Canberra/Ngunnawal Country home and work in all aspects of life to make it the best city it can be.
Other members
Menka Zarzour - State Operation Manager, Millennium Services Group
Menka is a cleaning services industry professional with more than 25 years’ experience. Menka manages teams across a portfolio of retail and commercial clients with current responsibility for Westfield Woden and Belconnen, the QIC Canberra Centre, Tuggeranong South.Point, commercial office buildings for ISPT, and a range of Federal and ACT government sites.
Lyndal Ryan - ACT Branch Secretary, United Workers Union
Lyndal has over 28 years’ experience representing the interests of employees and is the former President of UnionsACT. Lyndal helped develop the Agreed Memorandum of Understanding on Procurement of Works and Services with UnionsACT. She led the development of the ACT Code of Best Employment Practices for the Cleaning Industry, and the Clean Start – a Fair Deal for Cleaners Campaign. Lyndal has been a member of multiple government committees including the Commonwealth Government Procurement Consultative Committee, ACT Ministerial Advisory Council for Women, and ACT Long Service Leave Board.
Zac Smith - Secretary, CFMEU
Zac is the Secretary of the ACT Branch of CFMEU. He has experience in representing the interests of employees within the CFMEU ACT Branch.
Kasey Tomkins – Secretary, UnionsACT
Kasey is the Secretary of UnionsACT and in this position, is an elected spokesperson for UnionsACT’s 24 affiliated Trade Unions. She also oversees the running of the Injured Workers Service Canberra and the ACT Young Workers Advice Service. Before her term as Secretary, Kasey was employed as the Senior Organiser for over 5 years at UnionsACT assisting affiliated unions and their members in a broad range of campaigns and projects including Work Health Safety awareness, Worker’s Rights education and advocacy, event planning and outreach. She has experience in industrial relations, work health and safety, and worker advocacy.
Support
If you need support, contact the Secure Local Jobs team.