Goal 8:
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Employment Practice: Equivalent Rights Outsourcing
The University of Newcastle’s Procurement Policy includes provisions to promote fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct in outsourced contracts that help safeguard workers’ rights. This policy was effective from the 15th of September 2023 and was reviewed in March 2025.
- Section 7 of the Procurement Policy sets out foundational principles such as open and fair competition, and Transparency, Probity, Equity & Ethical Behaviour (Clauses 17–19).
- Specifically, Clause 19 requires that the University conduct procurement with ethics and equity, which encompasses supplier behaviour and reputation.
- The Policy also includes a social and environmental impact consideration (Section 10) as part of supplier assessment—i.e., beyond price, suppliers are evaluated on their environmental and social performance (which can include labour practices).
The University also has a Modern Slavery Policy that addresses the rights of workers and sets expectations regarding ethical practices in our supply chain. The origin of this policy was 2017. The current version was effective from the 10th of December 2024 and will be reviewed in 2027.
In addition, the University incorporates obligations regarding worker rights into our standard contract clauses, which are passed down to all contracted third parties.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.