The Queensland parliament has passed the Queensland Industry Participation Policy Act 2010, requiring Queensland governments to have a local industry participation policy in place.

 

The Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt,  said the new legislation builds on the Local Industry Policy, developed a decade ago.

 

 “The previous policy established provisions to give local businesses full, fair and reasonable opportunities to tender for work on major government funded projects,” she said.

 

“It has contributed significantly to state and regional economies, most particularly through the manufacturing industry, and we have formalised the intent of this law.”

 

Ms Jarratt said under the legislation, Queensland Government agencies were required to register Local Industry Participation Policy Plans for all eligible projects.

 

“The Queensland Government has funded the Industry Capability Network to provide fully subsidised services to help project proponents prepare their Local Industry Participation Plans and to match suitable local businesses to specific project opportunities,” she said.

 

“With the State Government spending $17 billion on building, infrastructure and operational projects this financial year there will be numerous opportunities for local businesses to secure work.

 

“The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and ICN will work with State Government agencies to ensure they understand their obligations under the new legislation, including the reporting arrangements to parliament.”