Outdated government procurement polices stalling opportunities

Outdated government procurement polices are stalling opportunities to stimulate the growth of green jobs and protect Australia’s environment, according to a report released by the Total Environment Centre (TEC). The report will be officially launched at Green Capital’s Subscriber forum 'Green Procurement' at the NSW Business Chambers.

TEC Director Jeff Angel said that Commonwealth, state and territory governments have a major role to play in encouraging and stimulating the emerging green economy.

“By using their massive purchasing power and choosing more environmentally friendly goods and services, they can drive change towards more sustainable production methods and the use of recycled materials,” Angel said.

The TEC report highlights the fact that despite polices that support sustainable procurement, Australian governments are failing to walk the talk.

“Current procurement policies pay lip service to sustainability,” Martin said.

“But there are few measures to ensure that government actions match the rhetoric. Accountability measures and reporting requirements are lax. There is also a lack of clear assessment criteria, and little support for purchasing officers who wish to choose products on the basis of sustainability rather than price alone.”

TEC has called on the federal government to take the lead and promote sustainable procurement through the Council of Australian Governments (CAOG).

“Moving government procurement towards sustainability and promoting the emergence of green jobs in Australia will require a national approach with coordination of polices between jurisdictions,” Angel said.

“Strong action is needed from the federal government to ensure that state and territory governments work together to reduce their environmental footprints.”

For more information on the Green Capital program, visit www.greencapital.org.au.