By Lilia Guan

Traditionally procurement purchasing in government was about getting the best value for money and finding savings where government sees fit.

However the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s managing director – Jonathan Dutton told Government News the organisation has seen many changes to procurement and training in government.

Dutton says procurement has become “riskier” with longer supply lines because products are being sourced globally.

“Procurement has become an instrument of policy,” he says.

“When making purchasing decisions purchases must consider environmental issues, indigenous goals and working with firms with enough women on the board.

“If these conditions aren’t met then vendors won’t receive government contracts.”

All these factors are making it even more important for procurement officers to keep training at higher levels.

Dutton says the institute was seeing more and more people achieving qualifications in procurement – “sadly not enough in government”.

“Some states are doing well and others are recalcitrant,” he says.

“Ironically two members of the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council – New Zealand and Papua New Guinea – lead in procurement training.

“Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia have accredited training however they all finish at diploma levels – two step shorter then the recommended CIPSA level.”

Dutton says government agencies in the United Kingdom, United States, parts of Europe and South Africa all “train to CIPSA levels” and “Australia deserves more” then what was currently being offered to purchasing officers.

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