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Local – What is Local?Local businesses, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are given a "fair go" on Government led projects and in the procurement of goods and services. By Portal Admin - 1st June 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon Government at all levels to ensure local businesses, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are given a "fair go" on Government led projects and in the procurement of goods and services.
"Everyone who knows me, knows that I am extremely passionate about the use of local businesses and local contractors on Government projects, but unfortunately that same passion has led to much frustration over the years", Mr Northe said.
"In my reckoning the word "local" is used very loosely by Governments and against the perception of what our community would define as being "local" said Mr Northe
Last year I appointed a Parliamentary Intern in Tom Boucher-Hill to investigate, "The Efficacy of Local Construction Participation in State Funded Construction Projects in the Latrobe Valley Region".
https://russellnorthe.com.au/parliamentary-intern-report-local-jobs-for-local-workers-tomboucher-hill/
"Tom’s report was highly valued by myself and many local contractors who have felt that for far too long local enterprises are not being afforded the opportunity to participate or even bid for Government work in their own community." Mr Northe said.
"Subsequently, I have penned an opinion piece to highlight how Government’s use of the word "local" can be extremely misleading, whilst also offering suggestions as to how local businesses can get a fair go on Government projects" said Mr Northe
"Now, more than ever, I believe it is so important to get Government procurement policies correct because at the moment our business community is missing out on many opportunities when they most need it", Mr Northe concluded.
WHAT IS LOCAL?
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LATROBE COMMUNITY
Now, more than ever, I believe that it is time our local businesses, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers should be given every opportunity to participate in Government-led projects within Latrobe City. We have been blessed that Latrobe City has benefited from significant Government investment over recent years and we look forward to that continuing.
However, for a long time I like many have become increasingly frustrated at the number of lost opportunities for local builders and contractors who have been overlooked for work, or even worse - denied the opportunity to even tender for works within their own community, in which they pay rates and taxes.
The problem in my view, lies with procurement processes that often refer to local and local content, but really what is the definition of local? Unfortunately, local is defined differently, depending on who you ask.
But how many people realise that the definition of "local" by State and Federal Government standards, is actually applicable to all of Australia and New Zealand?
To many people, Latrobe City and the towns within is referred to as local, which seems logical: it is a Local Government area after all. And then we have the Latrobe Valley which many would perceive as being the same area as Latrobe City. However under State Government guidelines, the Latrobe Valley area is actually defined as being inclusive of the Local Government areas of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shires.
I'm happy to stand corrected, but I would have thought that the good residents of Sale, Yarram, Warragul or Drouin would not identify their place of residence as the Latrobe Valley. So why is this a problem? In part it has allowed Governments to use the Latrobe Valley as a vehicle to announce that a local builder has been appointed to undertake a project within Latrobe City boundaries. This is despite the same builder or company being based outside of Latrobe City, our Local Government area.
An example in recent times was the appointment of a Warragul builder to construct the $4.3 million Latrobe Youth Space Centre in Morwell. The announcement of the successful tenderer included news that a local builder had been selected. But is it really local as many residents in Latrobe City have pointed out to me? I certainly don’t cast any aspersions upon the building firm appointed and I’m sure they are a terrific organisation; however, one has to question why a Latrobe City builder would not be building the Latrobe Youth Space centre in Morwell. Rather ironic, I would have thought.
Are we really saying that there is no commercial builder in Morwell, Moe, Churchill or Traralgon and surrounds who is unwilling or not capable of undertaking this project? Now I confess I don’t know all the background for this project, such as was this a public tender; did any Latrobe businesses submit a tender, or were any Latrobe businesses notified to the project? Again, I don’t criticise the successful tenderer I just raise the point that whereby this municipality, the Latrobe municipality has suffered significant hardship in recent years with major businesses closing their doors, and the fact that we are going to have to contend with enormous economic hardship given the COVID-19 pandemic, shouldn't we be doing everything possible to support this same local community when opportunities like this arise?
There are major projects underway within Latrobe City at the moment and I commend all levels of Government including the State Government for their investment and commitment. Some of those projects mean that the principal contractor appointed may not be based in Latrobe City and this is understandable for a number of reasons including the fact that no local entity to my understanding has accreditation to perform State or Federal Government projects in the scope of $15 million or more. What is critically important however is that local sub-contractors and suppliers are given the opportunity to participate in these same works. Unfortunately, this has been the subject of some consternation from Latrobe City based builders and contractors over a period of time, including how effective local content has really been.
On these large-scale projects, the principal contractors will generally use local motels and frequent cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs which is really important and this should be valued and respected. And it’s not to say that local contractors have a right to every Government project within Latrobe City. There might be times when Government projects require certain skills that are not able to be delivered locally. There might be times where local contractors don’t wish to submit a tender. There might be times that the costs of a local contractor is greater than what is fair and reasonable, but what I would say is that locals should be afforded the opportunity at the very least to participate in Government projects in their local community, and indeed strong local weighting should apply as part of the procurement and tender process.
The Victorian Government has a "Local Jobs First" policy. In name it sounds wonderful but in practical terms it doesn’t deliver on the perception that the majority of people would have in their minds as to what is deemed local. Over a period of time I have been approached by many local contractors who have shared their frustrations in regards to the system that exists and its failure to recognise true local content. Last year, I engaged a Parliamentary Intern to undertake research into the efficacy of local construction participation in Statefunded construction projects. The report undertaken by Tom Boucher-Hill – which is well worth reading – and it highlighted how the system really is failing local contractors in many respects.
Just last week, I drew attention to a project in Traralgon which involved the fit-out of a building for WorkSafe; a State Government authority. It had come to light that this project, (which was said to be worth approximately $1.5 million), would proceed without any opportunity for local builders to even tender for this same work. WorkSafe had determined that it would select a builder from its preferred contractor list; which does not include any local builders and it also determined it would not undertake a public tender process for these same works. As I mentioned at the time, this is simply disgraceful and makes an absolute mockery of the notion of local on Government projects. How many other similar projects have fallen through the cracks over the years - one has to wonder?
I just cannot fathom that in a community that has endured economic downturn, with already high unemployment, and faces significant employment and economic challenges due to COVID-19 that no local business has been afforded the opportunity to quote or tender for Government work in its own backyard. People might ask why should Latrobe City be viewed differently and I would point out the reasons above, plus the fact that we are unique. Unlike the majority of other municipalities, the State Government derives tens of millions of dollars each and every year from the resource sector in our community, including a $252 million increase in coal royalties just four years ago. Local businesses pay rates and they pay taxes so when Government related projects occur within the community in which these same business owners and their employees work and live, then why shouldn’t they be given an opportunity to at the very least submit a quote or tender.
To summarise, I raise four points that I believe can assist to address these matters; First, the description of local, local content and Latrobe Valley requires urgent review in the context of Government projects. These three definitions are confusing and misleading. It is little wonder people residing in Latrobe City scratch their heads when the builder of a Government project is announced as local when the perception is completely different in the local community. If the definition of local in Government language is Australia and New Zealand, then this terminology is completely wrong and it needs to change.
Second, an adequate weighting should apply for businesses and contractors based within Latrobe City and apply to Government work within our community. If a stronger weighting system is geared towards local contractors, then we should see more locals participating in local projects. In addition, local contractors should be afforded the opportunity to not only be informed of projects that are occurring in their local backyard but have the opportunity to tender and participate. As per the WorkSafe example raised earlier - this is simply not happening.
Third, there needs to be transparency in relation to the use of contractors on major Government funded projects within our community. This should include the public listing of contractors and suppliers, which requires an explainer outlining why locals have not been utilised if this is the case. This should be a documented publicly and in turn, I believe this will exert pressure on the principal contractor to use the services of local sub-contractors and suppliers.
Fourth, there are a significant number of Government related departments and agencies in our community. Now is a time where each and every single Local, State and Federal Government department and agency based within Latrobe City should urgently review their procurement practices and ensure that the acquisition of goods and services are being done locally where possible. Not in the current Government definition of local but local as in what our community would expect local to be.
In closing, whilst I firmly believe all levels of Government are doing their absolute best in difficult circumstances, it is the local procurement and local content policies that have existed under Governments of all persuasions over a period of time that need urgent reviewing in my opinion. We have a fantastic business community in Latrobe City and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be supported to thrive. It’s important that we all continue to support our local business community where can. They are the ones that employ local people, they are the ones they provide local services, and they are the ones who support our local schools, sporting clubs and other organisations. Likewise, it’s about time that Government procurement policies at all levels better recognised our local business community and ensure that local businesses have adequate opportunities to participate in Government led projects and in the provision of goods and services in their own backyard.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Join local farmer Nick Dudley for a free, hands-on workshop in Leongatha on 24 March to calculate farm emissions, use carbon calculators, and explore productivity improvements. Registration required. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February. - Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026. - East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit. - Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland. - Free visitor information materials help East Gippsland businesses guide visitors quickly and easily summer
East Gippsland Shire Council is providing free QR-code posters, stickers and magnets to help businesses quickly connect visitors with maps, attractions, events and essential information via the Visit East Gippsland website. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Applications for Baw Baw Shire Arts and Culture with grants up to $2,000 is now open until 8 February 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council is offering grants up to $2,000 for local artists and creatives, supporting community-focused arts projects, collaboration and creative development, with applications open until 8 February 2026. - East Gippsland invites community to honour everyday heroes for 2026 Volunteer Honour Roll to be celebrated from 18-24 May 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for nominations to recognise local volunteers, with 2026 Honour Roll inductees celebrated during National Volunteer Week, showcasing their contributions and inspiring more people to volunteer. - Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out! - Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire. - Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Mick Cummins as Acting CEO to guide organisation through transition
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Mick Cummins as Acting CEO until mid-December. Cummins brings extensive local government experience and will support organisational priorities as Council reviews longer-term arrangements, Mayor Kate Wilson said. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. - East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Melina Bath slams Labor government over five-year Sealers Cove boardwalk repair delays and tourism mismanagement
Melina Bath criticises Allan government for mismanaging Sealers Cove boardwalk repairs, leaving it closed five years, harming Wilsons Promontory tourism and local businesses, highlighting broken promises and neglect of public assets. - Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production. - Neerim Artsfest 2026 celebrates sculptural art, culture, and creativity in Neerim South from 28 February to 15 March
Neerim South hosts the free 2026 Artsfest from 28 February-15 March, showcasing spectacular sculptures, local culture, scenic walks, parks, markets, food, drinks, and creative experiences near Melbourne. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - Forge Theatre handed to community for IMMERSIVE takeover and East Gippsland Creative Summit launch on 28 March 2026
IMMERSIVE hands East Gippsland’s Forge Theatre to the community for a month, culminating in the Creative Summit, celebrating local creativity, collaboration, and connection while bringing the Shire’s Culture and Creativity Strategy to life. - Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities. - Engaging East Gippsland communities: Listening, learning and shaping council priorities across the region
Over recent weeks, council engaged East Gippsland communities through budget sessions, site visits, and consultations, supporting local projects, stormwater planning, and services while encouraging feedback and early hardship assistance. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on the Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan to boost tourism by 8 May 2026
With the Alberton-Welshpool link complete, Wellington’s Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan will guide improvements, boost tourism, support local businesses, and involve the community in shaping a sustainable, high-quality trail. - Eastern Victoria to receive over $1M for improved walking, cycling, and regional transport links
Eastern Victoria communities will benefit from over $1 million in funding for walking, cycling, and bus stop upgrades, improving local transport links through the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Bass Coast Shire Council awards contract for new Thompson Reserve pavilion, boosting Inverloch sport and community facilities
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded Kubale Constructions to build a modern Thompson Reserve pavilion, enhancing facilities, supporting local clubs, and promoting inclusive sport opportunities for women, girls and the community. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - Latrobe City Council renews YMCA contract to continue leading programs at GRAC facility
Latrobe City Council renews YMCA Victoria’s contract to operate GRAC, ensuring continued community access, health programs, local employment, and social benefits, with 400,000 visits expected in 2026. - Danny O’Brien met residents across nine towns over two days, holding more than 20 discussions on their concerns for the shire
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026. - Darren Chester demands explanation after sudden Yarram sawmill closure cost over seventy jobs
Federal MP Darren Chester calls for clarity after Yarram AKD sawmill closure, which unexpectedly cut over 70 jobs, threatening local families and prompting demands for full employee entitlements.
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