She has questioned the Government’s commitment to workplace safety after new data revealed that it consistently favours the cheapest companies for construction projects.
“Of 26 recent construction projects, the ACT Government awarded the contract to the cheapest tenderer 23 times – almost 90 per cent.
“The concern is that price is being prioritised above worksite safety and above fair wages and conditions. The Government should be focused on contracting safe and fair companies, especially in light of recent construction site accidents and deaths in the ACT, and the fact that construction is an industry where sham contracting is a problem.
“I am extremely concerned the Government is creating an environment that encourages short cuts, and safety and employee conditions are suffering.
“We want the ACT Government, as the biggest client for civil construction in the ACT, to reform its procurement process so that safe and honest working environments are rewarded.”
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