Tasmania’s Government has simplified the process for tendering for government work, including providing goods such as steel for major projects. Photo: Business Tasmania.
Tasmania’s Government has announced Buy Local Policy data showing that 97 per cent of government contracts valued at more than $50,000 were awarded to Tasmanian businesses during the March quarter.
This figure equates to a total of $110.5 million over the quarter, and $733.7 million for the year so far.
As of March, the total of all contracts for the year is more than $1 billion.
Tasmanian Treasurer Eric Abetz said the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future delivered for local businesses through the Buy Local Policy.
“Our Buy Local Policy is about ensuring Tasmanian businesses are able to tender, undertake and complete government work,” he said.
“We are keeping our economy strong and supporting local jobs through our Buy Local Policy.
“During the March quarter, 96.6 per cent of contracts awarded by the Tasmanian Government worth over $50,000 were awarded to businesses in Tasmania.”
Mr Abetz gave the example of Crisp Bros & Haywards, which received a contract to supply steel for the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium’s roof test rig.
To increase transparency around the policy, the Tasmanian Government is enhancing the quarterly procurement statistics.
“We want even greater transparency on this to ensure Tasmanians know where their money is being invested,” Mr Abetz said.
“This work has begun, and it is pleasing today to be able to talk to the real impact that it is already making.”
Previous improvements made to the Buy Local Policy, which came into effect on 1 January this year, aimed to improve clarity and transparency, and simplify the language around existing requirements.
These reforms, along with additional improvements such as single-form tendering and the Buy Local Policy, were producing positive outcomes for businesses, Mr Abetz said.
