ACCC grants authorisation code to the Information Technology Contract and Recruitment Association

According to the ACCC ‘authorisation’ provides protection from court action for conduct or arrangements that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.

The ITCRA was incorporated on 8 December 1998. It was established as the result of the coming together of some CEOs in the IT contract and recruitment industry to air their concerns with each other about the state of their industry.

Australian members include; Clicks IT Recruitment; Candle ICT; Sherborne Consultin; Talent 2; Ambition; Ambit Recruitment Group; Peoplebank ; Finite IT Recruitment Solutions; Sapphire Technologies; Greythor; Diversiti; Paxus; and Taylor Coulter.

ITCRA's code of conduct establishes standards of behaviour and conduct for ITCRA members in their dealings with each other and with clients.

According to ACCC chairman Gordan Samuel, codes of conduct can generate a benefit to the public if they are an effective regulatory tool. During the ACCC's consideration of its application for authorisation, ITCRA has amended its code of conduct to enhance its effectiveness.

“The ACCC considers that the standards of conduct set out in ITCRA's code can assist ITCRA members conduct their business activities ethically and professionally. They also have the potential to reduce the risk that parties who deal with ITCRA members will be exposed to unscrupulous conduct,” he said.

The ACCC is satisfied the benefits to the public will outweigh the potential anti-competitive detriment resulting from the provisions of ITCRA's code.