Projects to establish or upgrade eligible Australian facilities with an expenditure of $500 million or more are subject to the Australian Jobs Act 2013 (the Jobs Act).
AIP plans
The plans provide detail on:
- expected opportunities to supply key goods and services to the project
- how proponents will communicate project opportunities and pre-qualification requirements to potential Australian suppliers. This may include communicating via procurement websites
- how proponents will assist suppliers to develop capability and integrate into global supply chains.
AIP plans that cover more than one project
Generally, the Jobs Act requires a separate AIP plan for each project worth $500 million or above. If you are undertaking a number of interrelated major projects with a common purpose, you may be able to combine them under one AIP plan. Contact us for advice.
Project proponent responsibilities
Project proponents must submit an AIP plan for each major project.
Projects with 2 or more project proponents must nominate one proponent to prepare and submit the AIP plan on behalf of the others. The AIP plan is binding for everyone involved. The actions of the nominated project proponent have consequences for the other project proponents if the legislative requirements are not met.
Developing and submitting your AIP plan
You must submit your draft AIP plan to the AIP Authority 90 days before the trigger date for the project.
The AIP Authority has introduced SmartForms for AIP plan submissions. SmartForms speed up the completion process as there are fewer questions and more pre-populated responses.
You must complete your AIP plan online using the SmartForm link that the AIP Authority will provide you after you follow the notification process.
If you do not have your link contact us. Do not use the previous AIP plan paper template.
You must submit your AIP plan before project conditions are satisfied
An AIP plan must be submitted based on the project’s trigger date regardless of outstanding conditions or approvals. Most projects are subject to various conditions like:
- gaining environmental approval
- securing funding (including government funding)
- achieving a positive final investment decision from the board before they can proceed.
For the purposes of the Jobs Act it is assumed these conditions will be satisfied. You must not wait until all conditions are satisfied before submitting your AIP plan.
Using a consultant to assist with AIP plan development
You may use consultants to assist you to develop your AIP plan. You will need to authorise the consultant (using a letter of authorisation or similar) to discuss particulars of a specific project with the AIP Authority.
Project proponents must complete and submit the AIP plan online and take responsibility for its implementation. A project proponent cannot discharge their obligations except to another project proponent.