CAMS Internet site launch in Perth broadcast State-wide

4/9/97

Works Minister Mike Board will today have a captive State-wide audience when he launches the Department of Contract and Management Services' (CAMS) Internet site in Perth.

Mr Board's presentation at 1.30 pm will be broadcast via Westlink, the CAMS talkback and teleconferencing television network, at TAFE's Westlink Studio in Prospect Place, West Perth.

"Usually, many openings and launches are confined to the Perth metropolitan area," he said.

"However, the country offices of organisations such as CAMS play a very important role in the local community.

"People from as far as Karratha, Kalgoorlie and Esperance will take part in today's launch, which really shows just how advances in telecommunications bring people together from all over the State."

CAMS is the Government department responsible for providing other Government agencies with contracting services, advice and management.

The CAMS regional offices deal with building maintenance and minor works contracts for their region.

In the last financial year, $30 million in building maintenance was injected into regional economies through the country-based CAMS offices.

Mr Board said said the launch of the CAMS Internet site showed how advances in telecommunications could assist regional businesses.

"We are able to distribute more information more quickly and that makes regional businesses more competitive," he said.

"The CAMS Online Internet site allows country based contractors to download information on tenders and contracts, saving them a trip to their nearest CAMS office.

"The Internet site also provides advice on applying for Government work and the extent of building projects planned for the 1997-98 period."

Mr Board said clients could also access information about the many services which CAMS offered.

"By learning about whole-of-government contracts, agencies can use pre-approved suppliers and gain the benefits of bulk-purchase discounts, which in turn saves taxpayers' money," he said.

"A Westlink guide is also available from CAMS Internet site so people in regional centres can find out about upcoming informational and educational programs to be aired."

For further information about CAMS Online Internet site, contact Renee Gibson on (08) 9222 5402.

CAMS Online can be found at http://www.cams.wa.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211