The peak industry body for the Information, Communication and Technology sector, TasICT has welcomed the move by the Tasmanian Government to strengthen its Buy Local Policy in favour of Tasmanian businesses.
Changes to the procurement framework underline the importance of buying locally with the economic and social benefits test now weighted at 25% of the total procurement evaluation criteria with a focus on whether a supplier is a Tasmanian Small or Medium Enterprise and if they have a Tasmanian workforce.
TasICT President Martin Anderson said “It’s pleasing to see Government contracts will be influenced by a company’s investment in Tasmania, whether they will engage Tasmanian businesses as sub-contractors and if they will source goods or services produced in Tasmania. This is important to businesses in the Information, Communication & Technology sector, because of the enormous contribution the industry makes to the state’s economy and employment”. He added,”The Government is by far the biggest consumer of Information Technology in Tasmania, so it’s vital the procurement framework recognises the investment in the state by local ICT businesses”.
Securing Tasmanian Government ICT contracts can be complex, and involves companies making it on to the C150 Panel for hardware contracts and the ICT Professional Services Panel for other services including analysis, security, project management, operations and infrastructure. TasICT has long been advocating for its local members to be given recognition for the commitment to Tasmania they demonstrate by having a local presence.