Unacceptable behaviours on infrastructure projects

The South Australian Government has established an Unacceptable Behaviours Guide for transport and infrastructure projects. The guide gives workers clear and consistent ways to identify and report these behaviours.

Who the guide applies to

Establishing a zero-tolerance culture for violence and intimidation on infrastructure project sites is a top priority for the South Australian government.

The guide applies to all our projects, and to suppliers and their employees working on our projects.

What it covers

The Unacceptable Behaviours Guide helps prevent unlawful behaviours on construction sites. It reinforces a zero-tolerance approach to violence and intimidation.

The guideline explains:

  • what behaviours are unacceptable, including:
    • criminal behaviour
    • corrupt conduct
    • improper industrial action
    • workplace health and safety breaches
  • how to report unacceptable behaviours to a regulator or law enforcement authority.

Industry consultation helped shape the guide before it was released in South Australia.

Download the Unacceptable Behaviours Guide.

How to report unacceptable behaviours

The guide provides contact details for the Office of Public Integrity (OPI) South Australia where unacceptable behaviours can be reported.

The OPI receives complaints about corruption, misconduct and maladministration about public officers. They work to keep public institutions reliable, fair and trustworthy.

Anyone can report to the OPI.

Report unacceptable behaviours to the OPI:

Personal information is managed carefully in line with relevant legislation.

For more information about your privacy and protections visit www.publicintegrity.sa.gov.au/public-interest-disclosures/your-protections

For further information about how your report will be handled visit - Making a Complaint or Report | Office for Public Integrity

How to implement the guide on projects

The guide and reporting processes are clearly communicated to anyone who works, visits or enters our project worksites.

We will work with contractors to make sure they understand how to apply the guide and what is expected of them.

To help you with implementation, download our toolkit.

Background

In August 2024, state and territory governments entered into a new Federation Funding Agreement Schedule for Land Transport Infrastructure Projects with the Australian Government.

Under this schedule, agencies must:

  • follow Commonwealth legislation
  • review and report allegations or instances of unacceptable behaviour to the appropriate regulator.

A similar guide has been produced by:

  • Transport for NSW
  • Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
  • Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority.

Industry consultation

We sought input from the South Australian infrastructure sector to ensure:

  • the guideline is practical for our projects
  • industry has the resources and support needed to put it in place effectively.

Feedback was shared on:

  • the guideline’s content and scope, including what to add, change or remove
  • key things to consider when applying the guideline in South Australia
  • resources and support needed for successful adoption
  • potential barriers to implementation
  • the best channels and forums to raise awareness and encourage uptake.

Contact us

Engagement team

Contact us to provide feedback or learn more about the guide.

Phone: 1300 794 880

Email: DIT.Engagement@sa.gov.au

Related information

Other websites

Visit the Office for Public Integrity to learn about: