The ASI is working with the Victoria government in a bid to improve local fabricator access to government-funded projects, following a decision by a main contractor to import 11,000 tonnes of fabricated steel bridges/girders for the Bullen Flyover as part of the North East Link Eastern Freeway upgrade project.
ASI Vic state manager Sulfi Soeleiman said the ASI is a strong supporter of the Vic Government’s Local Jobs First policy, which encourages local steel content on strategic government projects.
While generally effective, problems emerge when a specific percentage of local content is not set for steel works packages or builders do not comply with the mandates or the Local Industry Development Plans (LIDPs), Sulfi says. Also, several factors other than price need to be considered including the greater economic, jobs and skills benefit to Victoria and Australia, assurance of structural steel safety compliance and meeting specific sustainability targets, he said.
The ASI wants the Vic Govt to make LIDPs more transparent – and the Local Jobs First Commissioner given additional powers to enforce action such as imposing fines and penalties. ASI also wants improved monitoring of the LIDP’s including quarterly monitoring, and builders who don’t adhere to local content requirements be deprioritised as potential builders for future government tenders.
“Given the current weak local market conditions exacerbated by imports, the ASI is calling on the Vic Govt for a Steel Industry Roundtable to discuss the issues,” Sulfi said.
The proposed roundtable would see a small group of ASI members, mostly fabricators, directly engage with the Victorian Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins on the opportunities and issues facing the sector.