Procurement process integral in creating new jobs

A stringent procurement process undertaken by the National Broadband Network Company has led to more than a billion dollars worth of contracts with local manufacturers.

The contracts – worth a combined total of $1.6 million – are set to create hundreds of Australian jobs in the sector after they were awarded to three local companies.

Industry and Innovation Minister Kim Carr said that the announcement demonstrated the Labor Federal Government’s commitment to actively promoting opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises to participate fully in the NBN project in “meaningful and continuing ways”.

“In selecting the companies, NBN Co undertook a procurement process consistent with their corporate plan and related 30 year business modelling. During the process, the companies demonstrated a commitment to investing in local manufacturing and skills development, to deliver the volumes required,” the Minister’s statement said.

Carr said the contracts would result in the creation of some 400 Australian jobs in the manufacturing sector for Warren & Brown Technologies, Prysmian and Corning. All three companies supply hardware and/or tools associated with fibre-optic telecommunications rollouts.

“Their involvement in the NBN rollout will create jobs for Australian workers and increase the skills we have in this country,” Minister Carr said.

NBN Co Chief Executive Mike Quigley has echoed these sentiments, stating that these contracts will create jobs throughout the sector.

“Through this deal, NBN Co has secured a commitment to increased local manufacturing over a two-year ramping up period, and to recruitment and training activities to help fulfil the local sourcing requirement”, Quigley said.

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