The Local Jobs First Amendment Bill 2025 passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament and received Royal Assent on 19 August 2025. The legislative amendments deliver the Victorian Government’s 2022 commitment to strengthen the Local Jobs First Act 2003 (the Act). The Act is Australia’s longest-standing industry participation legislation and has been supporting Victorian businesses and workers for over 20 years.
The amendments to the Act will ensure the Local Jobs First scheme continues to maximise opportunities for local jobs and businesses, supporting a stronger workforce, local industry and the Victorian economy.
The reforms to the Act focus on the compliance and enforcement of Local Industry Development Plans and strengthen the powers and functions of the Local Jobs First Commissioner.
Further detail on the reforms can be found in the factsheets below:
- General Factsheet – 22 August 2025 PDF, 162.5 KB provides a general overview of the key changes to the Act and commencement information for each reform.
- Local Jobs First Commissioner Factsheet – 22 August 2025 PDF, 161.66 KB outlines the key changes to the Local Jobs First Commissioner’s functions and powers which will come into effect by 1 July 2026.
DJSIR is preparing updates to the Local Jobs First Policy, Local Jobs First Agency Guidelines and Local Jobs First Supplier Guidelines which will be published on the Local Jobs First website.