Important Information for the Manufacturing Sector

22 Nov 11

Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr today began the consultation process for extending the operation of Australian Industry Participation Plans.

As ManufactureLink represents the interests of participants in the manufacturing sector today's announcement by Senator Kim Carr following, the Jobs Forum held in October, is an important step forward in extending the Australian Industry Participation (AIP) Plans.

Businesses, suppliers, unions and workers are invited to comment on the Gillard Government's plans to extend the operation of the AIP, seemingly in a move to create more opportunity for local industry.

A consultation paper, Measures to Extend the AIP, has today been released with the proposed key changes to extend access for Australian businesses in order to supply to major projects, and make the whole process more transparent.

"The changes extend the requirement fo AIP Plans to be odged for projects involving government grants over $20 million and require AIP Plans and their outcomes to be published," Senator Carr has said.

"The changes mean that Australian businesses will get a fair opportunity to compete on level terms when contracts for government supported work are let."

The changes proposed include some that will require companies to provide more evidence of opportunities made available to Australian industry participants for prjects under the Enhanced Project By-law Scheme.

Senator Carr has appointed a working group comprising representatives from industry, unions as well as state and federal government to advise the government on implementing the new measures.

The government is looking for industry to make submissions for consideration by the working group as soon as possible to enable the working group to report back to the government by the 12th of December.

Despite that there are obvious sceptics in the industry, this is your opportunity to make your submission and have your say. It is also pleasing to see this outcome from the Jobs Forum, move along so quickly.

For more information including a copy of the consultation paper visit www.aip.gov.au