The Department will work closely with the Department of Administrative Services and other departments on the project, and anticipates presenting a report to relevant Ministers at the end of the year.
Government procurement accounts for a significant proportion of world trade and economic activity.
The Agreement on Government Procurement aims to liberalise trade in the government procurement area by enhancing opportunities for companies to supply the government purchasing markets of other countries. It covers contracts for goods, services and construction above certain thresholds, and provides rules designed to provide transparency and non-discrimination in tendering procedures. Its provisions apply not only to central government purchasing entities, but also to nominated sub-central entities, such as States, and government business enterprises, on a negotiated basis. Worldwide, the agreement covers government purchasing worth several hundred billion dollars annually. Australia is not a member of the Agreement on Government Procurement which was negotiated concurrently with the Uruguay Round.