Strengthening the Local Jobs First Act 2003

New laws to support Victorian workers, businesses and manufacturers have passed the Victorian Parliament.

The Local Jobs First Amendment Act 2025 will strengthen the Local Jobs First Act 2003. It gives small and medium-sized Victorian businesses full and fair opportunities to compete for both large and small government contracts.

Under the changes, the Local Jobs First Commissioner will have extra investigation and reporting powers, such as:

• conducting site inspections with notice
• ensuring contractors on government projects are meeting their obligations to use local materials and hire local contractors, and apprentices, trainees and cadets.

The Bill also introduces extra objectives, including:

• providing equitable opportunities for Aboriginal businesses
• encouraging the participation of regional small to medium-sized businesses on Local Jobs First projects to promote regional economic development.

The reforms will start in 2 stages. Some reforms start on 20 August 2025 and the rest, including the Commissioner’s compliance and enforcement powers and functions, start by 1 July 2026.