The Victorian Government is committed to supporting the work of Victorian businesses and workers, through the Local Jobs First policy.
The Local Jobs First Policy was enshrined in law in August 2018 and ensures that all businesses, no matter how large or small are given a fair opportunity to participate in Government procurement.
A.E Atherton and Sons Pty Ltd (Atherton), is one of many businesses taking up work on large-scale Government projects through this policy; most recently on the Joan Kirner Hospital.
The newly built Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital transformed Sunshine Hospital into a leading paediatric and maternal health facility. A two hundred-million-dollar and Local Jobs First project, it has enabled more than thirty Victorian businesses like Atherton, the opportunity to contribute to a significant Victorian project.
A proud family owned Victorian business and world-leading manufacturer of sterilisation and sanitising equipment, Atherton has become a leader in their field, providing quality products to Australian and overseas hospitals, laboratories and projects over the years, including Monash Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Public Hospital and Echuca Regional Health to name a few.
Established in 1889 and Australia’s only manufacturer of medium to large infection control products, Tom Atherton, CEO and fifth-generation founding member said “The strength of the business is in its people and ability to manufacture a world class product, which meets the high expectations of its customers. Customers value the reliability of our products and the ability to access local and fast service and support.”
Local Jobs First Commissioner, Don Matthews, visited Atherton’s manufacturing facility in Alphington and echoed similar words “This is what Local Jobs First is about. Local Jobs First is giving opportunities to Victorian business, no matter how big or small, the opportunity to provide quality Australian products, to large-scale Government projects. I hope to see many more Victorian businesses taking part in government procurement, thanks to Local Jobs First.”
Atherton has not only gone from strength to strength in the last few years but has also positioned themselves as a market leader amongst its competitors, using cutting edge technology to advance their product range.
Local Jobs First is supporting Victorian businesses like Atherton, to be given a fair opportunity to participate in Victorian Government projects.
The Victorian Government is the largest procurer of goods and services in Victoria, including construction works and is committed to developing local industries, creating jobs and boosting economic activities across the state.
Local businesses are encouraged to register their interest in supplying goods and services to Local Jobs First projects through the Industry Capability Network.
