❓ Mr. Watson questions the Treasurer about the abolition of the State Supply Commission, focusing on the replacement consultative group, oversight of procurement, and the Buy Local policy. The Treasurer assures that the Buy Local policy remains and independent oversight will be maintained.
AnsweredQoN 261Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE SUPPLY COMMISSION — ABOLITION
I refer to — A government member interjected. Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
I refer to — A government member interjected. Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
A government member interjected. Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
A government member interjected. Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr P.B. WATSON : I do not talk to gutless people across the chamber. I will talk to the member outside, if he wishes. Any time he wants to take me on, he can take me on outside. The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
The SPEAKER : Order! The member will ask the question. Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr P.B. WATSON : I refer to the Treasurer’s decision to abolish the State Supply Commission. (1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(1) Who will be on the industry consultative group that will replace the State Supply Commission? (2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(2) What will its terms of reference and powers be? (3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(3) How will the government now guarantee the independent oversight of public sector procurement to ensure fairness, equity and probity in tenders and other procurement processes? (4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(4) This should interest all country members: how will the Treasurer ensure that the government’s Buy Local policy will continue to be applied in the absence of the State Supply Commission? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Albany for this important question about an important, albeit not statistically large reform of government. By way of background, as the member would be aware, there has been significant change and reform in government procurement over a number of years. I have been on the public record both in opposition and since my time in government congratulating all those involved with that process, including the former Treasurer and Mr John Tondut, who previously headed that area. It is an excellent example of a reform agenda that delivers real savings to the taxpayers of Western Australia. I will touch on a couple of the points the member raised. Firstly, I will speak about the consultative or reference body that will sit around procurement. I have had feedback from industry. I have not determined finally who will sit on that body, but it is my firm intent that they will be representatives of businesses that supply to government. There will be regional representation. One of the concerns I have picked up in talking to people who supply goods and services to the government is that the mechanism could be enhanced, and we are happy to do that. I have not yet given thought to the composition of the board, but it is important that the structure be put in place. I am comfortable that, within government, in offices like that of the Ombudsman, the capacity exists to oversight government procurement policy and to provide, for want of a better term, that independent eye on the procurement activities of government. Again, as part of this transition, more work will be done. It is important that it is outside Treasury and outside procurement. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the State Supply Commission is for. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Notwithstanding that, it is our view that it can be accommodated within the current resource base. The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
The third point the member raised concerned the Buy Local policy. No changes have been made to the Buy Local policy. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You have cut resources for accountability mechanisms. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : This government has made no changes to the very successful regional buying centre scheme, as I am sure the member for Albany is aware, as he displays Buy Local number plates on the back of his Albany-supplied car that is parked outside this place. This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
This government, particularly with its strong focus on regional Western Australia and on improving government service delivery and on providing government infrastructure in regional Western Australia, has no intention of taking a backward step in supporting Western Australian businesses that operate in regional areas and that supply goods and services to government. In fact, the government is currently working on ways to expand the regional purchasing centres. I think they are a terrific initiative of the former government, and I am happy to acknowledge that, and this is a natural extension of that. Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr R.F. Johnson : We introduced the Buy Local policy when we were in government last time. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : When I read it the first time, I had no doubt that it had at the least the member for Hillarys’ fingerprints on it; I thought that it had a ring of familiarity to it. I am glad the member has enlightened me.
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