The Andrews Labor Government’s multi-billion-dollar program of major infrastructure projects is creating thousands of local jobs and apprenticeships across the state by ensuring Victorians get their fair share of work.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited the Wonthaggi Hospital to announce the $115 million expansion is the 100th Local Jobs First Strategic Project.
The Labor Government has set minimum local content requirements on 100 strategic projects – totalling $58 billion and creating tens-of-thousands of jobs – compared to just eight set under the former Liberal Government.
The crucial expansion of Wonthaggi Hospital will be delivered under Local Jobs First using 90 per cent local content and requiring 10 per cent of work hours to be completed by local apprentices, trainees and cadets.
Local content includes labour, building materials and fittings like concrete, glass and steel, as well as professional services like engineering and design.
The expansion will increase the hospital’s capacity, enabling it to treat an extra 26,000 emergency patients per year.
The project will deliver a new operating theatre, and refurbish two existing theatres and inpatient rooms to meet the community’s needs.
In August this year the Labor Government made Local Jobs First the law – making sure Victorian businesses, workers, apprentices, trainees and cadets continue to benefit from major government projects well into the future.
All Victorian government departments and agencies must apply Local Jobs First for projects valued at $1 million or more in regional Victoria, or $3 million or more in Melbourne.
Local businesses interested in supplying to Local Jobs First projects, like the Wonthaggi Hospital, can register with the Industry Capability Network Victoria at icnvic.org.au.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
"We’re making sure all Victorians benefit from our massive pipeline of infrastructure projects, which is boosting our economy and creating tens-of-thousands of jobs."
"We’ve made Local Jobs First the law so that local content, apprentice, trainee and cadet requirements continue to create local jobs and support local businesses well into the future."
As noted by Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
"We’re not only delivering the first-class hospital Wonthaggi doctors, nurses and patients deserve – we’re also making sure local businesses and workers get their foot in the door to benefit from this $115 million expansion."
As noted by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"Only a Labor Government will deliver for Wonthaggi and the Bass Coast. This much needed upgrade of the Wonthaggi Hospital will not only save lives – it will give apprentices and trainees a good start to their career."
