About the VIPP
The Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) was introduced in April 2001 with the objectives of:
- boosting employment and business growth in Victoria by expanding market opportunities for local SMEs and supply chain partners
- providing the main contractors for major projects with increased access to a wider range of companies that can deliver the best value for money
- promoting a cultural change in Australian business, raising awareness of the world class capabilities of local SMEs
- exposing Victorian companies to world-best practice in workplace innovation, e-commerce and use of new technologies and materials
- developing the international competitiveness and flexibility of local SMEs in responding to changing global markets, by ensuring Victorian SMEs have a fair opportunity to compete against overseas suppliers
A review of the VIPP in 2006 introduced several key amendments:
- improved communication of the VIPP
- thresholds above which VIPP Implementation Plans are required will be lowered from $50 million in metropolitan Melbourne to $10 million and from $5 million in regional Victoria to $2.5 million (these thresholds are to be applied to all new projects commencing in FY 2007/08)
- an audit regime will be established
If you're a local small- or medium-sized business, this booklet provides information on how you can participate in major government procurement contracts, projects and infrastructure, major events, investment attraction, and community facilities
Industry Capability Network (ICN)
ICN sources competitive Australian products and services. ICN also finds local producers and evaluates their technical capability to meet companies’ production requirements. ICN encourages the use of licensing agreements for technology not locally available and advises on opportunities for new or increased production.
ICN services (free of charge) include:
- Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) enquiries
- Local Sourcing for Major Project Enquiries
- General Import Replacement Enquiries
- Overseas Project Facilitation
- Industry Research
Advantages of the VIPP
The intent of the VIPP is that it will foster industry development by encouraging bidders to genuinely and systematically consider local (Australian and New Zealand) SME suppliers.
For industry players it offers the best value for money on a project and provides an opportunity to compete in the domestic marketplace. For contractors and project managers it offers a decrease in exchange rate hassles and a better after-sales service.
Fair Trading
Although the VIPP aims to give local companies a fair opportunity to participate in major Victorian Government procurements and projects, it is not protectionist and does not involve price preferencing. The primary factor in determining the successful bidder is cost. It is therefore fully consistent with the Australian Industry Participation Framework and with our international obligations.
Contact the Victorian Business Line (VBL) on 13 22 15 regarding any problems with file downloads.
