Items of Interest
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Changes to the Buy Local Policy, 1 August 2024
In April, consistent with the Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future: First 100 Days, the Treasurer announced an update to the weighting of the Economic and Social Benefits criterion from a minimum of 25 per cent of the total evaluation criteria in competitive procurement processes to 30 per cent. The Treasurer has also approved enhanced flexibility in the way agencies can use the Economic and Social Benefits criterion.
For all competitive procurements released on or after 1 August 2024, agencies are required to undertake procurement consistent with the updated Buy Local Policy.
Key guidance materials (including an updated version of the Buy Local Policy) are available HERE. Other relevant procurement documentation will continue to be added ahead of the 1 August 2024 implementation date.
These new materials will replace existing documentation available on the Purchasing website on 1 August, 2024.
Increase to free trade agreement thresholds
With effect from 1 January 2024, the free trade agreement thresholds for covered government procurements have been amended to reflect A$693 000 for goods and services and A$9 762 000 for construction services (both GST inclusive).
Changes to the Tasmanian Government building and construction procurement framework
A number of changes to the building and construction elements of the Tasmanian Government Procurement Framework have taken effect on 1 September 2023.
A fact sheet which provides a full summary of the changes taking effect can be found
here
Changes include an increase to the threshold above which an open tender process for the procurement of building and construction works must be used, from $250 000 to $500 000.
The threshold above which contractors and sub‑contractors must be prequalified under the Department of Treasury and Finance Prequalification Scheme to bid for government works contracts has also increased from $250 000 to $500 000.
In addition, a new process for the placement of contract works and public liability insurance for relevant works projects has been implemented, including a transition of the responsibility for the placement of insurance from contractors to Tasmanian Government agencies.
A number of other aspects of the building and construction procurement framework, that are aligned to the value of the open tender threshold, will also be amended to reflect the increase.