The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation is seeking feedback from the private sector and Government Agencies relating to the outcomes and effectiveness of the Western Australian Jobs Act (2017).
The move is part of its five-year review of the legislation.
In a statement, the Department said the review is to cover a range of topics including the effectiveness of the Act, the main achievements, recommendations for improvements and analysis of how it interfaced with other State Government policies.
It said Michael Schaper (pictured), previously Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, had been appointed to conduct the independent review.
“The Act was established to ensure that State Government procurement and purchasing policies supported local industry participation,” the Department said.
“It is estimated that the Act has covered $32 billion of Government expenditure on goods, services and works,” it said.
“Of this expenditure, 92 per cent has been spent within Western Australia.”
Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade, Roger Cook welcomed the review saying improvements to the Act would be aimed to ensure that Government procurement and purchasing policies continued to support the retention or creation of new jobs, especially for small and medium enterprises.
“The Western Australian, national and global economies have changed significantly since the WA Jobs Act was introduced,” Mr Cook said, “and now is the right time to review the Act to improve its effectiveness.”
“Western Australia is now in an era of changing trends and new developments, many of which are likely to have an impact on procurement and local job generation, and the independent review is vital to ensure the legislation remains contemporary,” he said.
Public consultation will take place throughout September and October, with the review to be completed before the end of the year.
More information about the review and opportunities to engage in the feedback can be accessed at this PS News link.
