Advice for Australian Government agencies

Government agencies are responsible for assessing if building projects meet the financial thresholds that require the engagement of an accredited builder.

If these thresholds are met, then the agency must ensure the contracted builder is accredited with the Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC).

When an Australian Government agency enters into a contract with a builder, the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) must be notified of the successful builder by submitting a Client Agency Contract Notification Form.

The Model Client Framework is a useful tool for Government Agencies. The framework outlines a process to identify key client management actions to improve WHS performance in the Australian building and construction industry.

Advice for State and Territory governments

The Australian Government agency involved has the primary responsibility for ensuring accredited builders are used when required. However, state and territory governments also involved with the project should check to make sure this process is being followed and ensure relevant clauses are included in the contracts.

If you are unsure about whether your project needs to use a builder accredited with the OFSC, please check with the relevant Australian Government agency funding the project, or contact the OFSC.

The OFSC’s Model Clauses provides examples of clauses State and Territory governments can include in tender documents.

When a state or territory government agency enters into a contract with a builder, the agency should notify the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) of the successful builder by submitting a Client Agency Contract Notification Form.

More information can be found In the Guidance for Australian Government Agencies and Funding Recipients.