A new procurement policy requiring ACT Public Service agencies to look for and act on opportunities to purchase goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) enterprises is to take effect from 1 July.
Announced by the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith, the new policy aims to reduce some of the barriers to Government procurement faced by ATSI enterprises.
Ms Stephen-Smith said PS agencies will be required to include the new policy in their procurement activities from that day.
“When developing their procurement plans, Agencies will be encouraged to clarify procurement requirements, allow enough time for responses and consider the financial burdens on enterprises,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The policy will enable Agencies to directly approach an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprise for a single-select quote for work under $200,000.”
She said the Government was committed to increasing business opportunities and driving economic development for ATSI enterprises and communities as part of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.
“More than 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises are already registered to provide services to the ACT Government and we are encouraging even more to register,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
