The Office of the Local Jobs First Commissioner (the OLJFC) has had a productive 2024-25 financial year and continues to work to strengthen participation of local industry and workers to deliver economic and social benefits for Victorians.
During the 2024-25 financial year, as part of an increased focus on industry engagement, I have met with 101 local industry stakeholders across metropolitan and regional areas. This has included industry associations, head contractors and 55 Victorian small to medium sized enterprises. This industry engagement has provided valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities experienced by local businesses in achieving successful Local Jobs First and Social Procurement Framework outcomes.
The OLJFC also continued its extensive engagement with Local Jobs First Strategic Project delivery agencies and contractors, to provide Local Jobs First education and to prevent non-compliance. Over the 2024-25 financial year, the OLJFC conducted 202 meetings across 43 agencies covering 81% of the 142 Local Jobs First Strategic Projects in execution.
Insights from this extensive industry and Strategic Project engagement are shared by the OLJFC across government, agencies and contractors to strengthen Local Jobs First project delivery and compliance outcomes.
In addition, the OLJFC works collaboratively with agencies across government to increase understanding of Local Jobs First, and to strengthen the participation of local industry and workers through Victorian government procurement. In December 2025, the OLJFC entered a 3-year agreement to collaborate with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), the regulator of apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria. This agreement will enable information sharing between the agencies to support effective employment outcomes for these workers on Local Jobs First projects.
Published: 23 January 2026
Banner image above: St Kilda Pier, a Parks Victoria Local Jobs First Strategic Project
