Victorian government strengthens local jobs legislation with new enforcement powers

The Allan Labor Government introduced the Local Jobs First Amendment Bill to parliament on Wednesday, delivering new enforcement powers to ensure government contracts and projects benefit Victorian workers and businesses.

The bill will give the Local Jobs First Commissioner new compliance and enforcement powers to ensure contractors meet their commitments to use local workers, products and services on government projects, including the ability to issue civil penalties and conduct site inspections.

It will also give the government stronger powers to hold suppliers to account, linking payments to performance and allowing suppliers who fail to meet their commitments to be deprioritised for future work.

The Local Jobs First Act 2003 is Australia's first and longest-standing industry participation legislation, ensuring Victorian Government projects create opportunities for local contractors, apprentices, trainees and cadets.

The bill includes greater support for Aboriginal and regional and small to medium businesses, and stronger guidance for agencies to prioritise Australian Standards and prevent imported products being “locked in” by design specifications.

It also includes new powers for the Minister to mandate locally made uniforms and PPE on certain projects.

The reforms follow extensive consultation with unions, industry associations and other key stakeholders, with the aim of creating more good local jobs, strengthening regional opportunities, and giving Victorian small and medium-sized businesses opportunities.

From December 2014 to June 2025, local content requirements have been set for 382 Strategic Projects, supporting more than 60,000 local jobs.

Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said Victorian Government contracts and projects should benefit Victorian workers and businesses.

“This Bill puts our state and our people first. It makes sure more money spent in Victoria, stays in Victoria,” Brooks said according to a statement on Wednesday.

“We're closing the loopholes, backing the Commissioner with more power, and making sure” the statement said, but was cut off in the media release provided.

Picture: credit Colin Brooks/Facebook