It enables the Victorian Government to provide opportunities for local businesses and workers to supply into government projects.
Strengthened in August 2018, the Local Jobs First Act amends the former Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003. It builds on the Victorian Government’s past reforms to industry participation and puts Victoria at the national forefront of industry participation policy.
The Act enshrines Victorian Industry Participation Policy and the Major Projects Skills Guarantee requirements in legislation — ensuring that Victorian businesses, workers, apprentices, trainees and cadets continue to benefit from Victorian Government procurement well into the future.
It also establishes a Local Jobs First Commissioner who will balance advocacy, facilitation and compliance functions, working closely with industry and departments to create opportunities for small and medium sized businesses on government projects.
The Local Jobs First Act emphasises the importance of jobs and business growth and commits all Victorian Government departments and agencies to compliance with Local Jobs First. It also requires all departments and agencies to report on their implementation of Local Jobs First. In addition, the responsible Minister is required to report annually to Parliament on the implementation of Local Jobs First.