Weld Australia has confirmed it will not provide company certification to overseas fabricators seeking to compete for Australian manufacturing and infrastructure projects, saying its certification activities will remain focused on supporting local industry and manufacturing capability.
The peak welding body said its policy applied to company certification delivered through the International Institute of Welding Manufacturer Certification Scheme for AS/NZS ISO 3834 and, more recently, AS/NZS 5131.
Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden said providing certification to overseas companies competing for Australian projects would conflict with the organisation’s focus on local manufacturing.
“Weld Australia cannot campaign for local content and stronger opportunities for Australian fabricators on one hand, while providing overseas companies with certification that may help them compete for Australian work on the other,” Crittenden said.
Crittenden said the decision was not intended to restrict international trade, but reflected where Weld Australia chose to direct its technical expertise and resources.
“Our position is clear: Australian certification expertise should first and foremost support Australian manufacturers, Australian jobs and Australian sovereign capability,” he said.
Weld Australia said company certification involves technical assessment, independent auditing, ongoing surveillance and qualified personnel, supporting employment across welding engineering, auditing, inspection, welding coordination and certification.
The organisation also linked the policy to procurement opportunities associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, saying local fabricators should have opportunities to compete for major fabrication packages.
“We strongly encourage the Queensland Government, project owners and head contractors to ensure that a substantial proportion of the fabricated steelwork required for Brisbane 2032 is manufactured locally,” Crittenden said.
He said local manufacturing could provide longer-term benefits beyond the Games, including stronger businesses, skills development and additional apprenticeship opportunities.
“Brisbane 2032 should leave Queensland with stronger businesses, more skilled workers, more apprentices and greater manufacturing capability,” Crittenden said.
