Australian Government initiative to prioritise secure work in government contracts and ensure government expenditure is driving better outcomes for Australian workers, stronger delivery and higher productivity.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (the department) is leading development of the Secure Australian Jobs Framework (Secure Jobs Framework).
Under the Buy Australian Plan, the government committed to establish the Secure Jobs Framework to prioritise secure work and good workplace practices in government contracts. Between December 2025 and February 2026, the government invited stakeholder views on the proposal for a Secure Jobs Framework. Feedback from that consultation informed development of a draft Secure Jobs Framework and proposed amendments to the Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct (Supplier Code).
Submissions received during that initial consultation are available to view Secure Australian Jobs Code - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Consultation on the draft Secure Jobs Framework
The Australian Government is now seeking feedback on:
- the draft Secure Jobs Framework - a transparent, principles-based framework setting out the government’s expectations regarding secure work, fair treatment of workers and good workplace practices in Commonwealth contracts.
- proposed amendments to the Supplier Code, which implements the draft Secure Jobs Framework in the Commonwealth procurement framework.
Consultation will inform the approach to the Secure Jobs Framework principles and expectations, and ensure it is practical and workable across different industries, taking into account the scale, scope, complexity, and risk of the procurement.
Feedback will also inform guidance for suppliers – including small businesses and First Nations suppliers – and procuring officials to support implementation of the Secure Jobs Framework, including industry-specific considerations.
The Secure Jobs Framework is not intended to apply in the construction industry. Further information on the potential Commonwealth Standards for the construction industry can be found at Potential Commonwealth standards for the construction industry - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government.
Submissions close on 21 October 2026 at 11.59pm (AEDST).
For further information on consultation, and to make a submission, please go to Consultation Hub landing page.