16/10/01
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens today announced the review of the State Government's Buy Local Policy.
The review represents the honouring of another pre-election commitment to assess the policy following its first 12 months of operation and that the findings will be published.
The Buy Local Policy aims to maximise opportunities for competitive local Western Australian businesses to win State Government contracts.
The policy's effectiveness will be the key topic of discussion during a series of 18 public consultation forums to be held in regional and metropolitan centres.
"We are seeking suggestions as to how Buy Local may be strengthened in order to meet the Government's objectives of giving full, fair and reasonable opportunity to local suppliers," Mr Stephens said.
He will participate in each of the forums, to be launched in Wyndham on November 20.
Since November 1, 2000 the Buy Local Policy has applied to all purchases undertaken by State Government public authorities, including Government departments, agencies and Government trading enterprises.
Government agencies now spend more than $5 billion each year on purchasing goods and services from the private sector.
"By purchasing goods and services locally, Government agencies can make an important contribution to the viability of local economies and increase job opportunities", Mr Stephens said.
"To ensure that businesses continue to grow in regional areas, we will maintain and strengthen the regional purchasing preference and regional content preference."
Public consultation forums will give people an opportunity to ask questions about the policy and give feedback on ways to increase its effectiveness.
Each public consultation forum will take approximately two hours. The Buy Local Policy review forums will be held in the following locations:
PUBLIC CONSULTATION FORUMS
To RSVP or obtain a copy of the policy:
Anyone wishing to attend one of the forums or obtain a copy of the policy may call the State Supply Commission on (08) 9222 5700 or toll free on 1800 806 599. The Buy Local Policy can also be downloaded from the State Supply Commission's website at http://www.ssc.wa.gov.au
To submit comments in writing:
Written submissions are also welcome. These may be forwarded to the State Supply Commission by December 14, 2001 at the following address:
State Supply Commission
5th Floor, Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
WEST PERTH WA 6000
FAX: 9222 5750
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
