The Fair Work Principles support the creation of quality jobs by ensuring that Australian Government procurement decisions are consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009 and its aims, including promoting fair, cooperative and productive workplaces.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that Government procurement decisions promote fair, cooperative and productive workplaces, while still delivering value for money.

Employees of contractors tendering for Australian Government work should be treated fairly and their rights to freedom of association and representation in the workplace protected.

The Fair Work Principles came into effect 1 January 2010. 

Australian Government Cleaning Services Contracts

In view of the history of underpayment, exploitation and unsafe work practices in the cleaning industry, the Australian Government identified this sector as requiring special attention. 

While many of these matters have been significantly enhanced by the Fair Work Act 2009 and the modernised Cleaning Services Award 2010, the Government has identified specific additional requirements to improve the working conditions of contract cleaners working in Australian Government agency buildings.

In order to strengthen the cleaning specific requirements of Fair Work Principles, and to ensure that the Government’s objective of promoting better wages and conditions for vulnerable workers in the cleaning industry in respect of Australian Government Cleaning Services Contracts can be realised, the Government introduced in November 2011:

• the Commonwealth Cleaning Services Guidelines, and
• revised the requirements of the Fair Work Principles User Guide.

Further information on the Fair Work Principles, including resources for Australian Government Agencies and Contractors and Suppliers, is available in the Publications and Useful Links sections on this website.

For further information about the Fair Work Principles, phone 13 13 97 or email fairworkprinciples@deewr.gov.au.