Australian government reviewing ICT contracts

01.04.2005
Von Computerworld Australia

Australian Special Minister of State Senator Eric Abetz announced today the Australian federal government is reviewing all ICT contract arrangements.

The aim of the review is to continue to reduce costs to both suppliers and government by simplifying and streamlining the purchasing process.

"There will be extensive consultation, providing industry and government agencies with the opportunity to have their say on how the system operates at the moment and what we can do to improve it," Senator Abetz said.

"We will be appointing a consultant this week to undertake the consultation process and recommend improvements to the contracting framework.

"The government believes it can deliver savings on whole-of-government ICT purchasing by simplifying and streamlining the contracting process. These savings will benefit both suppliers and government," he said.

"We will deliver a consistent and comprehensive set of procurement arrangements, including contractual agreements, founded on best practice. The Australian Government Information Management Office will also develop tools and guides to provide government agencies with expert advice on procurement."

The consultation process will start in early April and there will be opportunities for industry and agencies to provide their input to the review. Details of these opportunities will be on the Australian Government Information Management Office website at www.agimo.gov.au/admin/cco