Release Date: 27/08/2013
PEAK business organisation, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says the State Government’s announcement of a local procurement policy represents an early and positive outcome from the recent TCCI facilitated Jobs Forum.
The introduction of a State Government procurement policy to benefit Tasmanian businesses was a key initiative flowing from the Jobs Forum.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said the early response from the Government, coming a few weeks after the Forum was encouraging and welcomed.
Mr Bailey said the policy initiatives would assist local businesses to more confidently tender for government contracts.
“The establishment of a Central Procurement Board with industry representation is a positive move,” he said.
“It should ensure that Tasmanian businesses are fairly treated and that due consideration is given to local and regional impacts when determining government tenders.
“Splitting tenders into bundles to enable smaller companies to compete should also assist local business.”
Mr Bailey said many local businesses and particularly smaller companies believed they were disadvantaged when competing for government work. They expressed this at the Jobs Forum.
“Industry representation on the Central Procurement Board, with the other initiatives should help in overcoming this.
“The State Government’s prompt action in releasing its policy soon after the Jobs Forum and the presentation of our 13 key recommendations is pleasing.
“Tasmanian business looks forward to similar speedy action on the Forum’s other 12 recommendations,” Mr Bailey said.
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