More Needs To Be Done For Kiwi Jobs From Govt Procurement

CTU Media Release

24 April 2013

More Needs To Be Done For Kiwi Jobs From Government Procurement

In response to the release today from the Government of streamlined procurement rules, the CTU says that there is more to be done to back Kiwi workers to be employed on major Government contracts.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, says “what is missing is a requirement that New Zealand industry participation is part of the tender process. If a clause like that was required in each tender then bidders would need to indicate to what extent their proposal would include New Zealand content.”

Peter Conway says “that should be a weighted factor for consideration as to who gets awarded the contract. That is what happens in Australia and the USA”.

Peter Conway said that in addition government procurement rules should apply across the wider state sector.

“The announcement today is a step forward however. It simplifies the process, makes it more transparent and also identifies ‘whole-of-life’ consideration for contracts over $5 million”.

Peter Conway said that it is entirely legitimate for the Government to drive value for money in awarding contracts.

“But they also need to consider the positive effects of having local firms and workers getting awarded contracts or being participants in part of larger contracts”.

“That would provide welcome support for the manufacturing sector for instance”.

ENDS

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