The Victorian Jobs First Bill will be introduced into parliament in 2018 to mandate the use of local content and local apprentices in the state for major public projects under a new regime monitored by a new Commissioner.
The Victorian Local Jobs First Commissioner – or Jobs Cop – will be created to monitor and enforce the laws and oversee compliance of local workforce and content targets.
A new regime will be developed to target non-compliance.
The Jobs Cop will work closely with industry and departments to open up opportunities for small and medium firms on government projects.
There will also be a new requirement on all government agencies to buy local uniforms and locally-manufactured personal protective equipment, such as high-vis vests, hard hats and safety goggles, instead of importing gear from overseas.
The Victorian Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee requires contractors on public projects valued at more than $20 million to use apprentices, trainees or engineering cadets for at least 10 per cent of total labour hours.
To drive local jobs across the supply chain – local content targets have been set on major government works including 100 per cent local steel on level crossings and 50 per cent local content on rolling stock.
