The Victorian Government’s local jobs policies have been enshrined in law with the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (Local Jobs First) Amendment Bill passing Parliament yesterday.

The Bill mandates minimum local content on major projects - including a 90 per cent minimum on construction projects – which will create more jobs for Victorians and support local industry.

The legislation also establishes the Local Jobs First Commissioner, who will advocate for businesses and workers, so they get a greater share of government projects. The Commissioner will also oversee compliance of local content and workforce commitments.

The Bill builds on the Victorian Government’s reforms to industry participation, including reducing the Strategic Projects threshold from $100 million to $50 million. To date, the Victorian Government has set local content requirements for 88 strategic projects worth $55 billion, as well as hundreds of smaller projects.