South Australian Tourism Commission

In reply to the Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (29 May 2018).

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment):

In accordance with their obligations under the State Procurement Act, agencies in my portfolio undertake procurement processes which:

provide for ethical and fair treatment of participants;

ensure probity, accountability and transparency; and

obtain value for money.

Furthermore, agencies in my portfolio apply the state's industry participation policy requirements which ensure that the economic benefit of procurement to the state is considered as part of evaluation criteria in selecting the preferred supplier.

It is not possible to know which companies will bid for and be successful in which procurement processes now or in the future.

Having previously served as a minister, I would have expected the honourable member to know that probity requirements mean that it is not appropriate for a minister of the Crown to involve himself or herself in the selection of individual suppliers.

Rather as minister it is my responsibility to ensure that processes are in place which ensure that we meet the requirements of the State Procurement Board policies and guidelines and the Industry Participation Policy and that procurement processes are undertaken by staff (or external advisers if necessary) with suitable experience and expertise.

Our procurement projects are contestable to companies outside South Australia in the same way as we have an expectation that South Australian companies will be able to bid and secure work from outside the state for the benefit of those businesses and South Australia.