Supplier Code of Conduct – Universal Media Co & WF Media

  1. Introduction and Commitment

Universal Media Co and WF Media are committed to ethical and responsible business practices and believe in building strong relationships with suppliers who share these values. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the minimum standards we expect all our suppliers to adhere to in the areas of legal compliance, labour practices and human rights, environmental sustainability, and ethical business conduct.

By partnering with us, you agree to uphold the principles and requirements outlined in this Code. We believe that a collaborative approach based on these shared values will contribute to a sustainable and ethical supply chain.

  1. Legal Compliance

Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards in Australia and any other jurisdiction where they operate. This includes, but is not limited to, laws relating to:

  • Labour and Employment: Fair work practices, wages, working hours, workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, and freedom of association.
  • Environment: Environmental protection, waste management, emissions, and resource conservation.
  • Anti-Corruption and Bribery: Prohibition of bribery, corruption, extortion, and money laundering.
  • Competition and Fair Trading: Fair business practices and adherence to competition laws.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Protection of personal and confidential information.
  • Product Safety and Quality: Ensuring the safety and quality of goods and services provided.
  1. Labour Practices and Human Rights

We are committed to upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring fair and safe working conditions throughout our supply chain. Suppliers must adhere to the following:

  • Modern Slavery and Forced Labour: Suppliers must have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking, as defined by the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 and other relevant legislation. Employees must not be subjected to any form of coercion, threat, or penalty for refusing to work. Suppliers must ensure that workers are free to leave their employment at any time.
  • Child Labour: Suppliers must not employ children under the legal minimum working age in their jurisdiction. They must comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the employment and protection of young workers, ensuring they are not subjected to hazardous work or work that interferes with their education.
  • Fair Wages and Benefits: Suppliers must provide wages, benefits, and working conditions that meet or exceed applicable legal requirements and industry standards in their operating locations, including the Australian Fair Work Act 2009 where applicable. Wages should be paid regularly, on time, and in full, with clear and understandable pay slips.
  • Working Hours: Working hours must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to maximum hours, overtime, and rest periods. Overtime must be voluntary and compensated at a premium rate as legally required.
  • Humane Treatment: Suppliers must treat all employees with respect and dignity. There must be no tolerance for any form of harassment, abuse (physical, verbal, or psychological), discrimination, or corporal punishment.
  • Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Suppliers must respect the rights of employees to freely associate, form, and join trade unions or other employee representative organisations of their own choosing and to bargain collectively in a lawful and respectful manner in accordance with local laws and regulations.
  • Non-Discrimination: Suppliers must not engage in any form of discrimination based on race, colour, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic in hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, or retirement.
  • Safe and Healthy Working Conditions: Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases. This includes providing adequate safety equipment, training, and access to medical care and complying with relevant legislation.
  1. Environmental Sustainability

Universal Media Co and WF Media are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and encourage our suppliers to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Suppliers should strive to:

  • Comply with Environmental Laws: Adhere to all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and permits in their operating locations, including Australian environmental legislation.
  • Resource Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Implement practices to minimise the consumption of natural resources, including energy and water, and reduce waste generation through reduction, reuse, and recycling.
  • Pollution Prevention: Take measures to prevent or minimise air, water, and land pollution resulting from their operations.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Where applicable, prioritise the sourcing of materials and products from sustainable sources, considering their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
  • Climate Change: Understand their environmental footprint and, where feasible, take steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
  1. Ethical Business Conduct

We expect our suppliers to conduct business with the highest ethical standards and integrity. Suppliers must:

  • Anti-Corruption and Bribery: Prohibit all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion, and embezzlement, whether direct or indirect. Suppliers must comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Australian Criminal Code Act 1995.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Avoid any conflicts of interest that could compromise their impartiality or the integrity of their business relationship with [Your Australian Business Name]. Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly.
  • Fair Competition: Engage in fair competition and comply with all applicable antitrust and competition laws, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
  • Intellectual Property: Respect and protect the intellectual property rights of Universal Media Co and WF Media and third parties.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and confidential information of Universal Media Co and WF Media and any other information shared under a confidential agreement.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Comply with all applicable data privacy laws and regulations, including the Australian Privacy Act 1988, regarding the collection, use, and storage of personal data.
  1. Monitoring and Compliance

Universal Media Co and WF Media reserves the right to monitor compliance with this Code, which may include:

  • Supplier Self-Assessment Questionnaires: Requiring suppliers to complete questionnaires regarding their practices and compliance with this Code.
  • Audits: Conducting on-site or virtual audits of supplier facilities, either directly or through third-party auditors, with reasonable notice.
  • Requests for Information: Requesting information and documentation related to supplier practices and compliance.

Suppliers are expected to maintain accurate records to demonstrate their compliance with this Code and to cooperate fully with any monitoring activities.

  1. Reporting Concerns

Suppliers are encouraged to promptly report any actual or potential violations of this Code or any unethical business conduct within their own operations or supply chain related to universal Media Co and WF Media. Reports can be made to the contact that you deal with plus privacy@umco.com.au or privacy@wfmedia.com.au. All reports will be treated with confidentiality and investigated appropriately.

  1. Non-Compliance and Remediation

Failure to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct may result in corrective action, up to and including the termination of the business relationship with Universal Media Co and Wf Media. We are committed to working with suppliers to address any identified issues and to support continuous improvement in their practices. Suppliers are expected to develop and implement a remediation plan to address any non-compliance issues in a timely manner.

  1. Continuous Improvement

We encourage our suppliers to continuously improve their practices in the areas covered by this Code and to strive for best practices beyond the minimum requirements outlined herein.

  1. Communication and Awareness

Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that their employees, subcontractors, and agents are aware of and comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.

  1. Review and Updates

Universal Media Co and WF Media reserves the right to update or modify this Supplier Code of Conduct from time to time. Suppliers will be notified of any significant changes.

By partnering with Universal Media Co and WF Media you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.

Contact Information:

Janice Williams

Publisher

Universal Media Co & WF Media

Private Bag 154

North Ryde

NSW 2113

Date of Issue: 28th March 2025