All aboard for government contracts in W.A.
Government representatives will outline the implications of the new WA Jobs Bill for the state’s small and mid-sized companies and the improved opportunities it will offer them in securing state business at a ‘sundowner’ on February 1.
The bill, which passed through the Legislative Council on December 7, was a key election commitment from the Labor Government to support local businesses to tender for government contracts, creating more jobs for local workers.
Under the new laws, local businesses will be given more opportunities to compete for government contracts, particularly in the realm of infrastructure.
Prospective suppliers of government contracts will now be required to submit local participation plans as part of their tender. These plans will then be incorporated into the contracts of successful suppliers to ensure the promised local jobs are delivered.
The bill includes a requirement for a Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy to guide the implementation of the new laws. As part of the development of the strategy, WA’s local content policies and guidelines are being reviewed.
The new laws will also allow the government to declare a major project a ‘project of strategic significance for the WA economy’ to create more opportunities for local content.
Peter Cox, the Development Manager of the W.A. Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation Industry, ran through the key elements of the proposed Jobs Bill at the Procure Southwest event in November.
“The bill, which will cover all government agencies except universities, is to maximise local benefit and will cover all forms of procurement including goods and services, works and housing.” he said. “The intent of the bill is that SMEs will have better opportunity to supply government. All tenders above a threshold will need to submit a participation plan as part of their tender.”
Cox said the Government hoped to launch the new way of doing business with the State Government in March 2018, to mark the first year anniversary of its election.
“It’s on the horizon, it’s coming. We need a tight time frame to get it up and running. It’s a game changer for the government.”
The February 1st event will offer an overview of the new Act, highlighting its key features, the support it has received and what benefits can be expected from its implementation. Discussions on the Department’s position on finalising regulations surrounding thresholds, strategic projects and exceptions will be held and alongside consultation with key stakeholders and progress on implementation.
