What a different year it has been for everyone across the various sectors, as we officially reached our two-year milestone in office.
Reflecting on the last two years there have been many highlights but one that has been at the forefront and continues to drive the work we do is the ongoing support from the local industry.
Through the role of the Local Jobs First Commissioner and Office, we have engaged with over four-hundred and fifty stakeholders and participated in over three-hundred and forty meetings to date. What we have found through these interactions, particularly during these difficult times, is the ongoing commitment from each of these stakeholders to support Victoria’s local industry.
Now more than ever, we must continue on this commitment as we move towards a COVID-19 normal, particularly with the number of upcoming projects in the pipeline.
Since the establishment of the Office and appointment of the Local Jobs First Commissioner, we have strongly advocated on behalf of the industry and will continue to work assiduously to support SMEs whilst ensuring they have the same opportunities as large organisations when partaking in government procurement.
Throughout the year, we have had a strong focus on the different sectoral groups across the local industry.
This has enabled us to have a greater understanding of the different factors and issues impacting the various sectors across local industry. This will no doubt prove to assist in future decision making as well as provide greater transparency of the impacts of the Local Jobs First policy on the different layers of the supply chain.
This not only strengthens our advocacy work it also highlights the importance of ensuring there are fair and equal opportunities for all layers of the supply chain in procurement.
The successful implementation of the Local Jobs First policy continues to provide significant investment in future workplace capabilities whilst equipping Victoria’s workers with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
We want all workers, apprentices, and cadets to benefit from Victorian Government procurement opportunities for years to come.
As the year comes to an end, we wanted to use this opportunity to say thank you for your ongoing support of Victoria’s SMEs and local industry. We look forward to working with many more of you in the new year.
