Federal contract bidders will need to hit sustainability targets

Companies bidding for millions in federal government contracts will need to meet new sustainability standards, including for the use of recycled content, as part of a phase-in of rules designed to boost Australia’s circular economy.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said government departments would use their purchasing power to reduce waste and promote recycling, mandating the first rules for government construction services contracts worth more than $7.5 million from July 1 this year.