❓ A WA MP questions DFES procurement practices, alleging bias against a local siren supplier and potential cost inflation. The Minister responds, defending the procurement process and denying preferential treatment.
AnsweredQoN 4512Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Minister, I draw your attention to the way in which a local siren and hazard system supplier SIRENCO has been treated by DFES and I ask: (a) why is it that a local Maddington based company that has been supplying sirens to emergency fleet vehicles for 29 years is overlooked in the supply of sirens and light bars to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) fire appliances in favour of a US owned Tasmanian company Hazard Systems; (b) If the tender process for the supply of sirens and light bars to DFES vehicles is still on foot until 3rd September 2015, why is DFES ordering such equipment from Hazard Systems Tasmania now; (c) how can the State Government and DFES ensure taxpayers are getting value for money when a simple lens for a lightbar costs $55.00 (prior to the purchase of Hazard Systems by ECCO) and now the same lens is supplied by Hazard costs $134.00; (d) Is it correct that DFES will purchase its vehicles from the Eastern States of Australia fully equipped next year, thus denying local companies the opportunity to build and supply such vehicles and if so why is the government going down this path; and (e) why is it that the Barnett Government is not supporting local manufacturers like Sirenco whilst at the same time it is lobbying the Federal Government for defence contracts for Western Australia?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 October 2015
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
35 days
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises:
(a) DFES has not overlooked SIRENCO. DFES purchases products from both suppliers as required operationally.
(b) While the new procurement process is underway, DFES is still required to purchase equipment to maintain current operational capability.
(c) There is insufficient detail provided of the lens type for DFES to provide comment.
(d) Consistent with the State Government Procurement Policy, DFES' Future Fleet procurement process will ensure an open, competitive and best value for money outcome.
(e) DFES supports suppliers through an open and competitive procurement process. DFES cannot comment beyond its remit.
(a) DFES has not overlooked SIRENCO. DFES purchases products from both suppliers as required operationally.
(b) While the new procurement process is underway, DFES is still required to purchase equipment to maintain current operational capability.
(c) There is insufficient detail provided of the lens type for DFES to provide comment.
(d) Consistent with the State Government Procurement Policy, DFES' Future Fleet procurement process will ensure an open, competitive and best value for money outcome.
(e) DFES supports suppliers through an open and competitive procurement process. DFES cannot comment beyond its remit.
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