NATIONAL: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) looks set to reauthorise a code which protects outworkers in the Australian textile, clothing and footwear industry.
The ACCC first authorised the Homeworkers Code of Practice in 2000, a code which ensures accredited businesses provide award wages and conditions to outworkers.
The Homeworker Code Committee is currently conducting a review and update of the code. The ACCC has proposed to grant reauthorisation for two years as requested by the committee.
Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Authorisation can be granted when the ACCC is satisfied the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment. ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said the code helps to reduce exploitation of homeworkers.
"The code imposes obligations on participants in the supply chain to provide award wages and conditions to textile, clothing and footwear industry homeworkers," he said.
"Further, by increasing industry and consumer awareness about working conditions, businesses accredited under the code are also able to promote their ethical credentials to consumers."
The watchdog has invited submissions from interested parties before making its final decision. Parties wishing to make submissions have been given a deadline of January 28, 2011.
COLLETTE DINNIGAN: Among those with ethical accreditation.
