Purpose Statement

Focused primarily on legislative compliance and value for money.

Expanded to include public value, sustainability, social procurement, progressive procurement and community wealth building principles.

Better alignment with Council's strategic objectives and contemporary procurement practices.

Procurement Thresholds

Thresholds referenced but limited guidance on cumulative expenditure.

Clarifies cumulative spend requirements and explicitly prohibits splitting purchases to avoid procurement thresholds.

Strengthens governance and reduces procurement compliance risk.

Market Engagement Requirements

General quotation requirements.

Formalises minimum market engagement requirements, VendorPanel as the preferred platform, approval requirements for exceptions, and mandatory consideration of established procurement panels.

Improves consistency, transparency and auditability of procurement activities.

Panel Supplier Engagement

Use of panels permitted.

Clarifies that formal RFQs are required above relevant thresholds, including for panel suppliers.

Maintains competitive tension and demonstrates value for money.

Ethical Supplier Requirements

Modern slavery considerations included.

Expands supplier obligations regarding workplace laws, ethical labour practices, award compliance, forced labour and worker exploitation. Requires suppliers to confirm that neither they nor any part of their supply chain engages in any exploitative labour practices

Strengthens responsible procurement and reputational risk management.

First Nations Procurement

Existing commitment to Indigenous procurement.

Requires procurement opportunities over $150,000 to be advertised through the Supply Nation Member Opportunity Board.

Increases opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Social Procurement

Limited reference.

Preference may be given to suppliers creating demonstrated social value when evaluation outcomes are comparable.

Supports local economic development and social outcomes.

Value for Money

Traditional value-for-money considerations.

Includes knowledge transfer and capability building as an assessment consideration.

Supports organisational capability and long-term efficiency.

In-Sourcing Assessment

Not specifically addressed.

Requires consideration of in-sourcing before renewing or retendering labour-intensive contracts.

Encourages assessment of internal capability and long-term service delivery options.

Outsourcing Assessment

Limited guidance.

Introduces a requirement for formal assessment demonstrating net public benefit before outsourcing services currently delivered by Council staff.

Supports informed decision-making and protects community value.

Sustainability Commitment

Sustainability principles referenced generally.

Introduces preference for recycled, recyclable and circular economy products.

Supports Council's environmental sustainability objectives.

Sustainable Packaging

Not specifically addressed.

Introduces sustainable packaging standards including minimising soft plastics and single-use products.

Reduces environmental impact and supports waste reduction targets.

Accessibility Requirements

Not explicit.

New accessibility procurement requirements for infrastructure, facilities, systems and services.

Ensures procurement decisions support equitable access and inclusion.