The ACT Government’s new certification system for businesses wanting to tender for ACT Government construction, cleaning, security or traffic management work came into effect on 15 January 2019. In a follow-up to our article on its introduction (read it here), in this article Emily Shoemark advises on what to do to get your certification.

What is Secure Local Jobs Certification?

The new Secure Local Jobs Code requires workers to have a Secure Local Jobs Code (SLJC) Certificate. The aim of the scheme is to strengthen the ACT Government’s procurement practices, so they will only award contracts to businesses that meet the highest ethical and labour standards.
If you don’t have an SLJC Certificate, you are not eligible to work on ACT Government sites, even as a sub-contractor.

What do you have to do?

You should make sure that you are contract-ready for ACT Government jobs. 
SLJC Certificates are issued by ACT Procurement, which requires your application to be reviewed and approved by a Registered Auditor.

Snedden Hall & Gallop is a Registered Auditor and can assist you with the certification process.

Steps to obtain certification

1. Complete the application for SLJC Certificate and associated statutory declaration. The form is accessible from the ACT Procurement website.
2. Make sure the statutory declaration is signed before a qualified person.
3. Ensure that you have listed all associated entities, which includes any other companies that your directors are also directors of.
4. Provide all required supporting documents, which can include:

  • BAS statements and proof of payment of superannuation contributions and payroll tax compliance (where applicable) (24 months)
  • Current Certificate of Currency with ACT Long Service Leave Authority
  • Current Certificates of Currency for Workers Compensation and Public Liability
  • If applicable, a copy of your enterprise agreement
  • Workplace policies demonstrating compliance with the Code.

5. Provide us with your completed application form, accompanying documents, signed statutory declaration and pay the associated fees.
Once you have completed these steps, Snedden Hall & Gallop will prepare and audit report, and with your approval lodge the application with ACT Procurement and advise you of the outcome.

Certificate validity

SLJC Certificates are valid for 18 months from the date of issue by the territory, subject to ongoing compliance with SLJC obligations.

Keeping your certificate up to date

Having up-to-date SLJC certification gives you:

  • opportunity for access to ACT Government jobs
  • tender-ready credibility
  • reduction in time and stress pressure.

How can Snedden Hall & Gallop help?

Emily Shoemark and Caitlin Meers are our Secure Local Jobs Code Auditors.
If you’re involved in the delivery of ACT Government work and need to arrange current certificates for your own organisation or subcontractors working on your projects, we can help. We’ll undertake an SLJC audit to ensure that you can provide the ACT Government with your services.
You should be aware that critical timeframes can be affected if a current SLJC certificate is not in place. We will use our resources to meet any critical deadlines that ensure your project will not be delayed. You can contact us on 02 6285 8000 or by email.
Go to the ACT Procurement website for the current material and further information.