By Luli Adeyemo, CMO, Tendertrace
The Minns government’s bold new procurement reforms are exactly what NSW needs to finally level the playing field for local businesses—but let’s be clear, this isn’t just about supporting small business; it’s about fixing a broken system that’s allowed multinational giants to undercut local industries for far too long.
The “If not, why not” rule is more than overdue—it’s a call for accountability that should have existed years ago. For too long, we’ve seen lucrative government contracts sent offshore while local suppliers, bursting with potential, were left in the cold. This overhaul is a wake-up call to both the public sector and NSW businesses—it’s time to step up, or risk being left behind.
It’s more than a policy change—it’s a rethinking of how we, as a community, value local enterprise, job creation, and ethical supply chains.
This imbalance has meant missed opportunities for NSW businesses and communities, many of whom are ready and willing to step up to the challenge if given the chance. These reforms are a breath of fresh air, ensuring that our state’s $42 billion annual procurement spend will directly benefit the people of NSW.
This is not just about awarding contracts but about fostering a sustainable economic ecosystem that supports local jobs, skills development, and innovation.
At Tendertrace, we are committed to ensuring these reforms thrive. Our mission is to bridge the gaps between government, associations, and suppliers, helping all parties align with this new vision for procurement.
We will be actively working with key stakeholders—government representatives, industry bodies across industry sectors, and local suppliers—to ensure that everyone is equipped to navigate the new requirements.
Our platform is built to empower local businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to compete fairly and transparently. Many local companies face hurdles when bidding for government contracts—complex tender processes, unclear criteria, and high administrative costs.
By providing tools that simplify these processes and make requirements clearer, AI powered Tendertrace is enabling local suppliers to position themselves as strong contenders in the competitive procurement landscape.
Moreover, the introduction of the debarment regime, which excludes unethical suppliers, resonates strongly with us. Integrity and trust should be the bedrock of government procurement, and we fully support measures that hold suppliers accountable to the highest ethical standards. By using Tendertrace, government agencies can gain deep insights into suppliers and ensure that public funds are used responsibly. This is critical for restoring public trust in how contracts are awarded.
We are also excited to contribute to shaping a fairer procurement landscape by making a formal submission to the Australian Government’s consultation on defining an “Australian business” for Commonwealth procurement.
With the submission deadline set for October 25, 2024, we aim to advocate for a definition that truly reflects the needs of local suppliers and enhances their ability to compete. This aligns with our mission to bridge the gap between local businesses and government, ensuring they are recognised and supported in public tenders.
As a company dedicated to enabling transparency and fair competition in procurement, Tendertrace will continue to play a pivotal role in making sure these new rules are not just adopted but embraced by local suppliers and agencies alike. We are excited to see how these changes will unfold and are fully committed to supporting the state’s vision of a procurement system that puts local businesses, workers, and ethical practices first.
This is an opportunity for NSW businesses to thrive, and Tendertrace is here to help make that happen. These reforms aren’t just a mandate—they’re a new beginning for how we work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy. The future of procurement in NSW has never looked brighter.
