Building Code Compliance
As a builder who tenders for and completes projects funded by the Federal Government, Hutchies is required to comply with the Building Code.
The Building Code, together with its supporting guidelines establishes a set of industry standards applicable to workplace relations, health and safety and procurement in the building and construction industry.
On 2 December 2016 the then Building Code 2013 was replaced with Building Code 2016.
Building Code 2013 continues to apply to all projects for which the tender or expression of interest was called for prior to 2 December 2016. Projects tendered after this date fall under the provisions of Building Code 2016.
Everyone is reminded of Hutchies’ Site Management Industrial Relations Guides which should be distributed to and read by all members of the Site Management Team. They are available on Hutchies’ Document Library.
Status of Hutchies’ Code Compliance
Building Code 2016 requires that any builder or subcontractor who wishes to tender for Government projects is not covered by an Enterprise Agreement that contains certain non-permitted clauses.
Hutchies has been negotiating new or varied agreements around the country however we have not yet completed this process which means we are not yet compliant and therefore not permitted to tender for federally funded projects. If you are considering a project which may have federal funding attached to it, please contact Ben Young to discuss.
Training
We are currently delivering training which covers the differences between Building Code 2013 and Building Code 2016 using the video conference facilities. If you have not yet participated in one of these sessions you should expect to receive an invite in the coming weeks. If you or your team feel they need specific training, please contact Ben Young to make the necessary arrangements.
Building Code Self Audits
Hutchies has recently committed to compulsory self-audits to be completed a few times per year. The first rounds of these is to be completed this month and it applies to all active projects. Please ensure you project completes the self-audit over the next week and returns it to Sammy Fisher. The self-audit can be completed electronically or by hard copy.
Other points of note
Subcontract agreements
Remember to always use the updated subcontract agreements from Hutchies’ Document Library.
Non-citizens
The Code has specific requirements for builders or subbies wishing to engage non Australian citizens – if you are considering a new recruit that is not an Australian citizens and on any kind of visa, please contact Ben Young to discuss.
Delegates
Projects with Delegates are reminded that the Code requires Delegates to have a role outside of their delegate responsibilities – please contact Ben Young if you need to discuss.
Security of Payments
Hutchies has a requirement to report all payment disputes to the ABCC – if you have a dispute that is likely to be referred to adjudication please contact Ben Young and Owen Valmadre to discuss.
Reporting of Stop work events
Hutchies has a requirement to report any industrial action on our projects. That is any stoppage that is not authorised or related to a legitimate concern for Health and Safety. If you have works stop on your project, please contact Ben Young on the day of the stoppage to discuss whether the stoppage is classified as industrial action.
Questions
If you need additional support, please contact Ben Young
Phone 0400 577 953
Email ben.young@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au
