On the 19 June 2018, the Premier and Minister for Industry and Employment announced the intention to introduce the Victorian Local Jobs First Bill into State Parliament, enshrining the Victorian Industry Participation Policy and the Major Projects Skills Guarantee in law.
The Bill mandates minimum local content on major projects, including a 90 per cent minimum on construction projects. It also mandates the use of local apprentices, trainees and cadets.
The legislation establishes the Local Jobs First Commissioner, who will advocate for businesses and workers so they get a greater share of government projects, as well as overseeing compliance of local content and workforce commitments.
To date, through the Victorian Industry Participation Policy, local content requirements have been set for 88 strategic projects, including level crossing removals. The Major Project Skills Guarantee has helped close to 1,000 apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets get a start in their careers, completing 775,000 labour hours in 31 projects.