The Office of the Local Jobs First Commissioner, Office of Industry Participation and Jobs together with the South East Victorian Government Business Office, held a Supplier Forum for local industry at the world-renowned Synchrotron facility in Clayton, to engage and demonstrate their ongoing commitment and support for local industry. In his opening statement the Local Jobs First Commissioner, Don Matthews said: “The South East region is a major manufacturing hub for Victoria with the Synchrotron a significant national research facility for technology and innovation. Being here today not only reflects the importance and vital component of the south east region but also reflects the success of Victoria and its commitment to innovation and technology in delivering this government’s investment agenda.” The forum was attended by over one hundred and sixty industry participants including local councils in the region and provided participants with an improved knowledge of the Local Jobs First policy, social procurement, uniforms and personal protective equipment policy and the stages involved in becoming a supplier to government projects. Local Jobs First forums are not only providing opportunities to better understand the policy but are also enabling collaboration and better communication between different levels of the supply chain. An insightful forum, participants heard from several speakers including Lendlease’s Construction Project Manager, Andrew Miller who spoke about the recently built Joan Kirner Hospital – a two hundred-million-dollar development, leading paediatric and maternal health facility in Sunshine. With more than thirty Victorian businesses contributing to this project since construction began, Andrew showcased the significance and success of Local Jobs First by highlighting the local businesses who were engaged as part of the project delivery. Participants also heard from North East Link’s Commercial and Legal Director, Brodie Woodland who provided information relating to the North East Link Project, an extremely complex and large project which will link key growth areas in the north and south-east of Victoria; providing a safer and more efficient freeway connection for up to one hundred and thirty-five thousand vehicles per day. Brodie highlighted the importance of applying the Local Jobs First Policy across all stages of this project and what this means for the industry. A priority road project, the North East Link will be the biggest investment in road transport infrastructure in Victorian history and one that will provide opportunities for industry through the Local Jobs First policy. Information sharing sessions such as the Supplier Forum, provide ongoing opportunities for industry to have a better understanding of Local Jobs First and provide insights into upcoming projects. For anyone interested in upcoming events or would like further information, please click here.
