New procurement policy for TAS Govt

The Tasmanian Government has changed its procurement policy for disability organisations.

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, foreshadowed the change in March this year and said it was in line with recently amended Australian Government guidelines.

Mr Aird said today he had issued two new Treasurer’s Instructions to allow Government agencies the flexibility to streamline the procurement process when purchasing from a business that “predominately exists to provide the services of persons with a disability.”
 
“The Government is very aware of the valuable role played by organisations providing employment for people with disabilities and that Government contracts help support their viability,” Mr Aird said.
 
“The Australian Government recently amended its procurement guidelines to enable its agencies to waive the mandatory tender processes when purchasing from businesses that employ the services of persons with a disability.
 
“The changes to Tasmanian procurement policy will mean that, at the discretion of the Head of Agency, agencies may now directly procure goods and services from businesses that predominantly exist to provide the services of persons with a disability without the need to undertake a full quotation or tender process.
 
“It is important to note, however, that in such cases agencies must still comply with the Government’s principles of value for money; fair and open competition; compliance with ethical standards and observing the procurement Code of Conduct; and enhancing opportunities for local business.
 
“In many cases, agencies may well still elect to at least obtain competitive quotations in order to meet their requirements and be satisfied that they achieve value for money.”
 
The new Treasurer’s Instructions will come into effect on 16 September 2009.

Click here to read media release.