Andrews Government adds ‘local jobs’ legislation to bills backlog ahead of state election

THE Premier has added yet another bill — which aims to name and shame Victorian companies — to the huge backlog of legislation to push through parliament before the state election.

CONSTRUCTION companies that flout ‘local jobs’ rules on major government projects could be publicly named and shamed, under new legislation before state parliament.

The Andrews Government will introduce legislation today to make its local jobs policy law but faces a huge backlog of bills ahead of November’s election.

It runs the risk of a number of bills failing to pass the Upper House, with just six sitting weeks remaining.

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The local jobs bill, if passed, would enshrine in law policies already governing the state’s major projects.

Ninety per cent of materials — or “content” — must be Australian, while apprentices, trainees or engineering cadets must be used for at least 10 per cent of a major infrastructure project’s total labour hours.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the new laws today. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A new Local Jobs First Commissioner will also audit major profits to ensure they meet the standards, with the Minister given the power to name and shame online the companies that do not comply.

The government can also slap an injunction on a project that falls short of the standards.

Premier Daniel Andrews said laws were needed to ensure the minimum standards were more than “just the policy of one government at one point in time”.

He said he “hoped” the opposition and crossbench MPs would support the bill.

But Mr Andrews would not be drawn on which bills the government would prioritise in the lead up to November’s election.

Legislation on an Aboriginal treaty, a crackdown on wild parties at Airbnb and other short-term rental properties, and changes to pay and donations for MPs is yet to pass parliament.

An overnight sitting of the Legislative Council earlier this year. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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But Mr Andrews said: “We believe that there is adequate time to progress a whole range of different bills that are currently before the parliament.

“We will work cooperatively with all parties to be able to achieve that outcome.”

Opposition MPs in the upper house, where the government does not hold a majority, have been accused of filibustering to stall legislation.

But Mr Andrews said MPs needed to “get on and do what the taxpayers elect us to do — govern”.

“I would hope that all members of parliament, regardless of what party they are from, would understand that there are some very important measures before parliament,” he said.

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