Request for Information from Agencies
How do we submit documents or information to the Commissioner and what format should it be provided in?
The Local Jobs First Commissioner will specify the format that the documents or information should be submitted in at the time of making the request. Documents and information should be submitted to the Commissioner by the date specified in the Commissioner’s request and sent to office@localjobsfirst.vic.gov.au
Can we request an extension to the submission due date?
Agencies may request an extension to the due date of the document and information request by emailing the Office of the Local Jobs First Commissioner at office@localjobsfirst.vic.gov.au. The Commissioner will consider each extension request on a case-by-case basis and inform the applicant of the outcome by reply email. Agencies will be required to include justification for an extension in their request to the Commissioner.
What if we do not have the requested documents or information?
If an agency does not have the documents or information specified in the request, this must be confirmed in writing to the Commissioner. Depending on the nature of the documents or information sought, the Commissioner will determine whether the failure to keep or retain these records should be considered a breach of compliance with the Local Jobs First Policy and will advise agencies as to whether further action will be taken.
Injunctions or Other Enforcement Action
When can the Commissioner recommend to an agency to seek an injunction or take enforcement action?
If a person is failing to comply or has failed to comply with the Local Jobs First Policy or a Local Industry Development Plan, the Commissioner may make a recommendation to the appropriate agency that the agency seeks compliance with the Local Jobs First Policy or the Local Industry Development Plan by:
- applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction; or
- taking enforcement action available under an applicable contract.
The Commissioner will write directly to the agency’s Accountable Officer via email about the recommendations.
What happens when the Commissioner recommends to an agency to seek an injunction or take enforcement action?
Relevant agencies will determine whether to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction or to take enforcement action under contract.
The agency should confirm the course of action with the Commissioner in writing.
Audits
What should I do if I have received an audit request from the Local Jobs First Commissioner?
The Commissioner may contact an agency’s Local Jobs First Administrator or Chief Procurement Officer in writing to request that the agency undertake a Local Jobs First compliance audit.
The Audit Request will be attached with the draft Terms of Reference and a copy of the Commissioner’s Local Jobs First Compliance Audit Procedures. Once the Terms of Reference for the audit have been agreed, the Commissioner will request that the agency comply with these. The agency may either procure consultancy services to conduct the audit on behalf of the agency or conduct the audit with internal resources. The agency is required to cover the cost of the audit.
The Commissioner requests that the agency submit interim and final audit reports to the Commissioner upon completion and within the agreed timeframe, including a management action plan to address the findings or recommendations arising from the report.
The full copy of the report must be submitted to the Commissioner by email at office@localjobsfirst.vic.gov.au.
What will the Commissioner do with the audit report?
The Commissioner will review the audit report to identify issues and will work with the agency to ensure that recommendations are implemented.
The Commissioner may request implementation status report updates to track progress and improvements over time.