Creating opportunities through government expenditure
The South Australian Government uses its purchasing power to deliver broader economic and social benefits, including supporting local businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
Agencies are required to:
- use locally manufactured products and services
- seek bids from South Australian businesses
- increase opportunities for South Australian workers, apprentices and trainees
- pay invoices promptly.
Advanced notice so businesses can better prepare
To help businesses prepare for future opportunities, government publishes upcoming procurement activity through the Forward Procurement Plan. This provides suppliers with greater visibility of future demand and more time to prepare for upcoming opportunities.
Environmental and social outcomes
We use procurement to deliver more than just goods and services. Through government purchasing, we seek to create broader social, economic and environmental benefits for South Australia.
When making procurement decisions, agencies consider more than price alone. They also look for opportunities to achieve positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes that provide lasting value to the community.
For example, procurement can help support a strong, climate-smart economy by encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reduce environmental impacts and contribute to South Australia's transition to a more resilient future.
Frequently asked questions
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For government procurement, a South Australian business is a business that operates in South Australia and, for the relevant procurement, has more than 50% of the workforce delivering the contract residing in South Australia.
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Government procurement is not just about buying goods and services. Procurement can also support broader economic and community outcomes for South Australia.
Depending on the nature of the procurement, agencies may consider outcomes such as:
- supporting South Australian businesses and jobs
- creating employment and skills development opportunities
- engaging apprentices, trainees and disadvantaged job seekers
- participation by Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal people
- environmental sustainability and waste reduction initiatives
- opportunities for local businesses to participate in supply chains.
If social or economic outcomes are relevant to a procurement, the requirements will usually be outlined in the procurement documents.