Legislation before parliament will make it easier and simpler for business to work with government.
Part of the Department of Finance’s procurement reform program, the new framework will introduce a consolidated and streamlined approach to goods and services, works and community services procurement.
This will support the State’s post-pandemic economic recovery, and reduce red tape for the private sector doing business with government departments and agencies.
“This new legislation will provide a modern, efficient and accountable procurement framework for Government to deliver services for Western Australians”, Minister for Finance Ben Wyatt said.
“Importantly, it makes it easier for WA businesses to work with Government so we can support local jobs and our State’s economic recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new Act will replace the State Supply Commission Act 1991, will streamline tendering, simplify procurement and improve flexibility, and improve the integrity of public sector procurement with greater audit and investigation powers.
The reform follows the Government’s Service Priority Review and the Special Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects. Both these programs identified the current procurement framework as complex, fragmented and inefficient, causing frustration to small and local businesses. Hundreds of stakeholders were consulted in the development of the new procurement framework.
