I have a Secure Local Jobs Certificate, what do I need to know?

We have received an increased number of enquiries relating to member responsibilities under the Secure Local Jobs Code (SLJC) and what is required to maintain certification.

If you are trying to apply for government work you will in most instances need to provide evidence that you have an up to date Secure Local Jobs Certificate. By holding a SLJC Certificate you confirm that you will comply with certain standards and requirements that is set out in the Secure Local Jobs Code.

Renewal of Certificate:

Most SLJC certificates are valid for a period of up to 30 months, depending on the approval provided by the Registrar. Members are encouraged to diarize the expiry of their SLJC certificate and apply for renewal well in advance of the expiry date. Each application and renewal must be assessed by the Registrar and may take a couple of months.

Before applying or renewing a SLJC certificate, you should take the following steps:

1. Read the Secure Local Job Code and understand your business obligations.
2. Review and update your workplace systems and policies to meet the requirements of Part 2 and 3 of the Code.
3. Engage an approved auditor to assess your business’s compliance with the Code.
4. Gather all necessary documentation that will be required by the auditor.
5. Notify your auditor if your business is tendering or performing work that requires compliance with Commonwealth law, and request an exemption as needed.

Compliance with the Secure Local Jobs Code:

Once your company has been issued with a SLJC certificate you are required to adhere to the obligations that is required by a Code certified entity. As a Code certified entity it is also your responsibility to ensure that your subcontractors and those companies that they assign work to, hold a valid SLJC certificate.

Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the obligations imposed by the SLJC and ensure that they comply with these requirements.

From 1 March 2022 the Registrar and its nominated representatives will have the authority to enter your premises and perform an inspection to determine if your company is compliant with the SLJC. If you are suspected of noncompliance the Registrar may suspend or cancel your certificate, impose certain conditions on your certificate and assign infringement points.

If you have any questions relating to your responsibilities under the SLJC, please contact our Workplace Relations and Legal Team on (02) 6175 5900.