The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to re-authorise* the arrangements that comprise the Homeworkers Code of Practice.
The Homeworkers Code is a voluntary self-regulatory scheme and provides for accreditation of parties in the garment industry to assist in ensuring that homeworkers are employed according to relevant Award conditions. Homeworkers sew garments in premises other than a registered factory.
The ACCC is satisfied that the arrangements under the Homeworkers Code assist in:
- lessening the risk of exploitation of a susceptible group
- improving the flow of information to homeworkers, and
- facilitating compliance with statutory requirements.
The ACCC will now engage in a further round of public consultation before proceeding to make a final decision in respect of the Homeworkers Code.
More information regarding the applications and a copy of the Draft Determination are available by following the Mergers and authorising anti-competitive conduct and Authorisations links on the ACCC's website.
*The ACCC has the function, through the authorisation process, of adjudicating on certain anti-competitive practices that would otherwise breach the Trade Practices Act 1974. Authorisation provides immunity from court action, and is granted where the ACCC is satisfied that the practice delivers a net public benefit.