GOVERNMENT STATIONERY CONTRACT

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:47): Thank you, sir. My question is to the Minister for Finance. Can the minister update the house about changes to the across-government stationery contract?

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:48): As members are aware, the across-government stationery contract was implemented in October 2012 following concerns about inappropriate purchases of printer cartridges. The contract was proposed to prevent any opportunity for inducements to be offered to public servants in exchange for purchasing printer cartridges or general stationery. By going to an open tender, which occurred in April-May 2012, the government also sought to achieve best value and savings for taxpayers. The procurement process included a review by a probity adviser, who concluded that the process was appropriately conducted.

Since awarding the tender, the government has received representations from interested parties in relation to the supply of stationery to schools and preschools. In response to the various concerns that were expressed, the independent Small Business Commissioner reviewed this matter and provided recommendations to the government, which have been broadly accepted. As a consequence, I inform the house that a temporary exemption from the across-government stationery contract has been contracted to metropolitan schools and preschools for 12 months, after which it will be reviewed.

As members are aware, country schools were already exempt under the original agreement. The extended exemption is contingent on metropolitan schools and preschools being able to demonstrate that purchase decisions are made in accordance with best value principles. The government is committed to encouraging and assisting South Australian businesses to secure government contracts in a fair and competitive market.

In February, the Premier announced the appointment of an industry participation advocate, Mr Ian Nightingale, to ensure local businesses leverage maximum opportunities from the $3.8 billion of contracts let annually by the state. The advocate's role includes actively seeking bids from local businesses for government contracts and assisting unsuccessful local applicants to improve their competitiveness for future tenders.

The SPEAKER: A supplementary: member for Unley.