Ausveg:
Government sourcing must support Australian Industries
The public inquiry is examining the current level of Australian goods and services used by Commonwealth Government departments and agencies through their procurement procedures, and the economic, social and environmental benefits of utilising Australian goods and services.
“Ausveg commends the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee on its proactive approach to evaluating the effectiveness of current Government procurement practices, and I commend Senator John Madigan for championing this issue and helping to bring this inquiry about,” said Ausveg Public Affairs Manager William Churchill.
“This inquiry presents a real opportunity for the Australian Government to reform its procurement practices, to ensure a greater level of support for Australian businesses, including food producers and suppliers,” said Mr Churchill.
In its formal submission to the Senate Inquiry, Ausveg has encouraged the Australian Government to consider ways to improve the efficiency of its procurement policies, and to support Australian goods and services that will secure long-term strategic capabilities of supply for the nation. “The purchasing power and far reaching activity of the Australian Government can have a profound impact on the sustainability and ongoing development of suppliers of goods and services,” said Mr Churchill. “Government support through the purchase of wholly Australian vegetable products would greatly assist operations in our food processing industry, a sector which has seen tough times over the past three years.”
“An appropriate procurement policy and framework ensures that the Australian community leverages maximum benefit from the activities of the Australian Government,” said Mr Churchill.
Ausveg has recognised the need for balanced policy that ensures Australian taxpayers receive the best value for money, while also supporting businesses that are operating within Australia, which contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the nation. “The current procurement practices of the Australian Government need to provide stronger support for Australian suppliers as effectively as possible, so the Senate inquiry being held today will be a valuable opportunity for the Commonwealth to assess ways to better align its procurement with nation building practices that support Australian business,” said Mr Churchill.
For more information:
William Churchill
Ausveg
Phone: +61 (03) 9882 0277
E-mail: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au
www.ausveg.com.au