Ropy numbers, misclassified contracts: concerns over government outsourcing

Public servants hope ongoing reviews will address increasing government use of consultancies, but analysts warn poor reporting will hinder efforts.  

15 October, 2018

Weak procurement controls leave councils exposed

Local government is failing to ensure probity and value for money in their procurement practices, an audit suggests.

11 October, 2018

Why relationships with suppliers matter

Creating a welcoming environment for suppliers is often perceived as the antithesis of sound public procurement but it’s an essential part of any successful plan.

8 October, 2018

Accelerator to help innovators access government contracts

Like their international counterparts, Australian governments at state and federal level are moving to ensure their procurement can benefit start-ups.

27 September, 2018

Praise for state energy provider’s social procurement

Western Australia’s largest energy provider has announced it will provide employment to 70 workers living with a disability.

20 September, 2018

The new black for government procurement

With savings trending to zero over time in some categories, better contract management offers a new way to add real and lasting value.

7 September, 2018

Audit exposes lack of transparency in consultancy use

NSW Government agencies are failing to comply with procurement requirements when engaging consultants, audit finds.

6 September, 2018

‘Body of work’ needed on slavery in supply chains

Experts say the Modern Slavery Act will significantly impact how governments and companies procure goods and services, so why aren’t more procurement managers ready?

16 August, 2018

buy.nsw goes live with simplified cloud procurement

Over 100 buyers and 50 sellers are now using the NSW Government’s new ICT procurement platform, which has streamlined contracts and registration for vendors.

9 August, 2018

The biggest game in town just got bigger

The new Defence Support Services panel of 580 firms seems like a lot but its hard work spending $36 billion properly, so there may be method in the apparent madness.

3 August, 2018

Indigenous procurement targets ‘smashed out of the park’

The Commonwealth’s Indigenous Procurement Policy has clearly achieved the key policy goals but its broader success is harder to evaluate, writes Jonathan Dutton. 

16 July, 2018

Governments should buy recycled material: inquiry

Commonwealth departments and state and local governments would adopt more explicit ‘green procurement’ policies under measures recommended by a Senate committee.

2 July, 2018

Crackdown on councils’ contracting of security services

Fair Work Ombudsman warns local governments could be liable if their contractors breach workplace laws after finding non-compliance in the supply chains of nearly two thirds of surveyed councils.

28 June, 2018

Governments must use procurement ‘muscle’ responsibly

Major Australian engineering and design firms are calling on Australian governments to adopt a new policy for ethical and fair dealings with private contractors.

18 June, 2018