The Liberal Government’s number one priority is jobs.
Today marks the official start of the Government’s Buy Local policy, which is a key component of our long-term Plan for Tasmania’s future.
We want to see more local businesses benefit from government contracts, and in turn employing more Tasmanians.
From today the following measures will apply to Government Departments and agencies:
− mandatory procurement planning to ensure a focus on maximising opportunities for local businesses before going to the market;
− mandatory disaggregation of large and/or state-wide contracts (subject to approved exemptions) to open the market to more small businesses ;
− a Local Benefits Test for Government tenders requiring the wider community and social benefits of purchasing decisions to be taken into account to ensure Tasmanians businesses get a fair go;
− a requirement for industry participation plans, for high value procurements and for private sector projects that receive Government support in order to ensure local industry participation is maximised;
− increased government transparency through improved reporting;
− simplification of existing procurement processes (red tape reduction), including:
– an increase in the goods and services procurement thresholds relating to when agencies are required to seek quotes or go to open tender; and
– Treasury reviewing existing procurement policy to identify additional red tape reduction measures that may be implemented; and
– an education and awareness campaign to assist small businesses to learn more about Tasmanian Government tendering opportunities and how to develop and submit successful tenders.
These measures have been implemented through a new Treasurer’s Instruction, and demonstrate the Liberal Government’s commitment to supporting local business and creating jobs.
Will Hodgman, Premier
