Liberal Leader Mark Parton introduced a motion calling on the Government to abolish the Secure Local Jobs Code, establish a public disclosure register for representations made to government officials during procurement processes, and to ensure that no union, employer organisation, political office or other external entity is given privileged access to confidential procurement information.

Labor moved amendments to the motion removing the call to abolish the Code and acknowledging that two reviews are currently underway into the Secure Local Jobs Code – an Assembly inquiry and a Government review. Labor’s amendments also removed calls for the public disclosure register, noting that the ACT Integrity Commission is currently conducting an inquiry into arrangements for lobbying and influence on government in the ACT. Labor’s amendments passed with the support of Thomas, the Greens and independent MLA Fiona Carrick, despite being opposed by the Liberals and independent MLA Leanne Castley. 

The Greens also moved amendments calling for the Government’s review to incorporate the principles of community wealth building, based on recent legislation passed by Scotland’s Parliament. Ms Carrick moved an amendment to the Greens’ amendment, which added a call on the ACT Government to review the effectiveness of Local Industry Participation Plans. While Ms Carrick’s amendment passed on the voices, the Greens’ amendment was opposed by the Liberals and independent Leanne Castley, but passed with the support of Thomas, the Greens, Labor and Ms Carrick.

During the debate, Thomas said he is keen to let both reviews of the Secure Local Jobs Code complete their work and establish their findings, rather than abolishing the Code before the reviews have been undertaken. He also reflected that he supports the intent of the Code but said it remains unclear whether that intent is being achieved, and whether the Government’s own policies, practices and processes are delivering on their stated aims when it comes to government procurement more broadly. He was particularly supportive of Ms Carrick’s amendment, noting concerns raised by local business owners about the ineffectiveness of Local Industry Participation Plans in supporting local businesses and workers. 

The motion, as amended, passed with unanimous support.