For the first time, the State Government has formally issued an exclusion sanction against a builder for not adhering to its construction code.

Builder McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd has been cited by the State Government following an audit of the $159 million Springvale Level Crossing Removal Project that was opened by Premier Denis Napthine in April.

As a result, the company has been excluded from expressing an interest in, tendering for or being formally invited to participate in Victorian public building and construction work until 14 December 2014.

The Herald Sun reports that while McConnell Dowell admitted to breaching the code when hiring KPI Labour Hire Pty Ltd, it did so to ensure industrial peace existed on the site.

“This action shows the State Government is serious about ensuring contractors uphold the principles of its construction code and implementation guidelines,” said Daniel Hodges, Manager of the Master Builders Industrial Relations Department.

“It provides a timely reminder for all construction companies involved in delivering taxpayer funded works to abide by the code and their Workplace Relations Management Plans (WRMPs) or risk missing out on future work opportunities.”

Master Builders can provide you with advice and guidance on WRMPs as well as complying with the code and guidelines, including dealing with erroneous requests from building unions. For more information, contact us on (03) 9411 4560.