The ISO was established to help NSW and Australian firms access opportunities for business that would otherwise be sourced from overseas. This is done by assisting companies identify competitive local manufacturers and providers for products and services.
In the 12 months to June 2001, the NSW ISO was able to help a range of NSW companies replace imports to the value of nearly $100 million, with regional firms benefiting by around $55 million.
ISO’s role and ability to access industry development opportunities was recently enhanced by the promotion of the Australian Industry Participation Plan (AIPP). AIPPs are plans specific to major developments and purchases, which identify opportunities for Australian companies to compete. The plans encompass all contracting levels within a project, from the prime contract to third and fourth tier subcontracts.
Linked with this is the introduction by the Federal Government of the new Enhanced Project By-laws Scheme (EBPS) that started on July 1, 2002. ISO's nationally will assist AusIndustry to promote the EBPS scheme, a prerequisite of which is for developing projects to develop AIPPs. ISOs are offering services to assist new projects introduce these concepts.
In New South Wales, the NSW ISO is working with the underground coal mining industry in recognising the benefits in import replacement, said deputy director Trevor Toivonen.
It is working with the Tahmoor and Dendrobium mine sites to assist these two projects in the development of the Australian Industry Participation Plan (AIPP).
“The responsibility will be with the buyers to evaluate the ISO nominated local suppliers to establish their technical and commercial competitiveness with overseas suppliers,” Toivonen said.
“The new EBPS is a step in the right direction and will benefit the coal mining industry and the local manufacturers and service providers to this vital industry. The growth and demand for Australian coal is widely recognised. Employing local industry to complement this growth is a win-win situation for all and sundry,” he said.
