Australian companies working on major projects continue to demonstrate that they can successfully compete against global competitors to win work supplying major projects.
However, Australian firms still face challenges in gaining access to global supply markets and major investment projects. The relatively small size of the Australian economy, coupled with its geographical distance from the major markets of Europe and North America, and the trend towards greater use of established supply chains by international investors, can create significant impediments to Australian industry participation in major projects.
Governments recognise the barriers faced by Australian suppliers and promote full, fair and reasonable opportunity for Australian industry to participate in major projects in Australia and overseas.
This approach seeks to assist Australian industry to gain a foothold in major projects by encouraging Australian industry to innovate, develop competitive capability and take advantage of investment opportunities. There is a strong emphasis on industry development, in particular the formation of strategic alliances, to position capable Australian industry to leverage opportunities and integrate into global supply markets.
To assist companies and ensure better program integration the Australian Government has provided $58.4 million to Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiatives. These initiatives contribute to a coordinated approach with the Australian Government's existing Australian Industry Participation (AIP) initiatives. Included under the broad Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiative is funding for the appointment of Supplier Advocates, the implementation of the AIP Plans and the expansion of the Supplier Access to Major Projects program. Also included is the establishment of the Clean Technology Focus for Supply Chains program, the appointment of a Resources Sector Supplier Envoy, and a Resources Sector Supplier Advisory Fourm.
Changes to Australian Industry Participation
An AIP Working Group was appointed by the Australian Government to advise on the implementation of AIP measures announced by the Prime Minister in October 2011. The new AIP measures will create more opportunities for Australian businesses to compete for lucrative contracts in the resources sector and across the general economy.
The AIP Working Group report and the Australian Government's response can be accessed from the Strengthening Opportunities for Australian Industry Participation page.
Australian Industry Participation initiatives
For more detailed information regarding initiatives to promote Australian Industry Participation see:
For further information on AIP measures please contact aip@innovation.gov.au.