Please note: Images in this article were taken before current COVID-19 safety measures were in place.
We met with Victoria’s Local Jobs First Commissioner Don Matthews to talk about his work.
Creating more jobs for locals on Victorian Government projects is the main goal of the Commission: it’s part of a commitment to local jobs growth, including on the $55 billion major infrastructure projects currently underway or planned.
And that commitment is enshrined in law. The Local Jobs First Bill passed in August last year, ensuring that all Victorian Government departments and agencies apply local jobs first for contracts valued at $1 million or more in regional Victoria, or $3 million or more in metropolitan Melbourne.
The Bill also mandates that job opportunities be created for apprentices, trainees and cadets on projects worth over $20 million.
Watch the interview with Commissioner Don Matthews to learn more or visit the Local Jobs First website.