THE ACT government is developing a “gender on the tender” procurement policy that prioritises construction contractors with gender-equity strategies. 

The policy, which has a 10 per cent target for the proportion of women employed in the construction of ACT government-backed projects, will require tendering suppliers for construction contracts of $5 million or more to:

• Meet set targets for the number of women employed in different job categories (eg, tradesperson, apprentice and leadership roles)
• Improve working conditions for women in construction
• Have internal plans in place to achieve gender equity in the workplace

The government says the proposed Women in Construction Procurement Policy supports the commitments made through the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 and will contribute to reducing the gender bias and increase the ambition of women and girls to take up careers in the construction industry.

The government is asking for community feedback on the policy at yoursayconversations.act.gov.au before May 17.