Main Roads connected to Government Electronic Trading Scheme

18/12/94

The public sector's commitment to smarter and more efficient purchasing of goods and services has taken a major step forward with the connection of Main Roads, Western Australia to the Government's Electronic Trading Service.

Main Roads has joined 30 other Government departments already exchanging business documents electronically with a wide range of suppliers.

Services Minister Graham Kierath said that electronic trading was the way of the future for Government purchasing.

"With the millions of transactions conducted by Government each year, streamlining the purchasing process will produce savings and productivity improvements for both Government and our suppliers," Mr Kierath said.

The Electronic Trading Service was co-ordinated by the Department of State Services and supported links to commercial networks provided by IBM, National Electronic Interchange Service (NEIS) and Telstra.

"Over the next 12 months the service will be expanded to support Electronic Funds Transfer and provide a truly 'paperless' trading environment," Mr Kierath said.

"While businesses are not in any way compelled to move to electronic trading, the service offers a range of flexible low-cost options enabling businesses of any size to participate."

Businesses wanting more information should contact Mr Ian Schulze at the Department of State Services on 365 8295.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133 or 222 9595