Local workers will fill about 12,800 jobs from the first year of the McGowan Government’s Jobs Act, a key election commitment to prioritise local workers on State Government infrastructure projects and services.
The employment figures include around 660 apprenticeships and traineeships linked to WA Government infrastructure projects, building the technical skills of WA’s workforce.
The Western Australian Participation Strategy (WAIPS) is a key component of the Jobs Act. Under WAIPS, prospective State Government contractors and suppliers are required to submit a participation plan that outlines their commitment to prioritise local workers, and enter into supply contracts with WA’s small and medium businesses.
So far, the 93 participation plans submitted indicate that more than 90 per cent of the value of selected infrastructure projects will be spent on locally sourced employment and supply contracts.
The strategy makes sure local participation is maximised in a diverse range of WA infrastructure projects, including the Bunbury Regional Prison Expansion, Reid Highway Dual Carriageway Project, New Museum Project – Stage 2 and METRONET Railcar Procurement.
The strategy is also delivering for regional WA with an estimated 3,980 jobs, including 262 apprenticeships and traineeships, involved in projects such as the Berth 3 Deck Replacement Project at the Port of Port Hedland.
Each year, the WA Government spends on average $27 billion on goods, services, material and works for the community.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The Jobs Act is an important part of my Government’s economic plan to strengthen and diversify the WA economy and create jobs.
“This is a vital election commitment that ensures, where possible, work on government infrastructure or services is undertaken by local workers.
“The State Government spends about $27 billion a year on goods, services and works for the community. Through the strategy, this Government is making sure that public funding for these programs is being better used to create jobs for Western Australians and support local small and medium businesses.
“These figures are a great result for Western Australians and we will continue to build this program in consultation with industry to deliver even more jobs for local workers in the future.”
Premier’s office – 6552 5000
