The Federal Government has received six private sector bids to upgrade and operate the ASIC Registry.
In considering a private operator, the government will also take into account its strong preference for the ASIC Registry to maintain its existing operations in Traralgon and the Latrobe Valley area more broadly.
A government spokesperson said while bids were subject to a formal evaluation process, overall the government was pleased with the proposed commitments around Traralgon and the Latrobe Valley area.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the strong interest in Traralgon was a vote of confidence for the Latrobe Valley. He said ASIC was a major employer for the region and any growth opportunities would be welcomed.
“It remains the government’s preference to keep the ASIC Registry in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“The private companies which have expressed an interest in the business registry will have to demonstrate their commitment to the Latrobe Valley as part of the assessment process and I think it’s a vote of confidence that there is such interest by several private operators willing to invest in the region.”
The government is now considering these bids and will make a decision on any further steps, following their evaluation.