New code of practice for the Victorian building and construction industry

The new Victorian Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry 2014 (Victorian Code) came into effect on 8 October 2014.

A contractor becomes subject to the Victorian Code from the date that it expresses interest in or tenders for on-site building and construction works for the Victorian Government. From that date, the contractor also becomes subject to the Victorian Code in respect of any subsequent privately funded building work that it undertakes. Any related entity of the contractor also becomes subject to the Victorian Code at the same time as the contractor.

Key factors include:

• freedom of association – any agreement, arrangement, practice or procedure which does not promote freedom of association is inconsistent with the Victoria Code. This includes prohibiting the display of "no ticket, no start" signs, providing the names of new staff to unions except as required by law, and refusing to employ an individual because of their union