Industry to comment on new Commonwealth Procurement Rules

AT A PUBLIC hearing in Canberra today, industry and business advocacy groups will have their say on new rules for the Australian Government’s $59 billion procurement budget.

The Joint Select Committee on Government Procurement is considering how best to implement revised Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

The revised rules, which came into effect on 1 March 2017, require Commonwealth officials to consider:

• whether products or services being procured comply with Australian standards for goods and services;
• suppliers’ adherence to labour regulations, OH&S and environmental standards;
• the economic benefit of the procurement to the Australian economy; and
• meeting national and international obligations under trade and other agreements.

Committee Chair Senator Nick Xenophon said the revised Commonwealth Procurement Rules aim to increase the competitiveness of Australian businesses when they bid for Australian Government contracts, particularly against their international counterparts.

“The new rules require Commonwealth officials to consider how a procurement can benefit the Australian economy. This levels competition between domestic and international businesses when it comes to supplying the goods and services Australia needs,” Mr Xenophon said.

“However, it is crucial that the new rules are implemented effectively. It is essential that benefits to the Australian economy can be assessed efficiently and quickly without increasing red tape for businesses or government agencies.”

“This public hearing is the first in a series, in which the Committee will seek the perspective of industry, government agencies and the community on the best way to apply the rules.”

A public hearing program and inquiry Terms of Reference are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details: 4pm - 6pm, Wednesday 29 March, Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra

This hearing will be streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

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