Under the NSW government’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy, small businesses in regional NSW will be provided a “Small Business Exemption” as an opportunity to cut through red tape and government processes.
The policy requires NSW government agencies to first consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000.
It also allows government departments to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said now is the time for government departments to look locally when it comes to spending procurement dollars.
“What we are saying to NSW government departments is, instead of looking to Sydney, where possible, give first consideration to the excellent local tradies, businesses and shops in a local regional community when it comes to procuring goods and services,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We want SMEs and regional businesses to be front of mind when departments are considering which supplier to engage.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope encouraged NSW government agencies to consider engaging suppliers from regional areas.
“We want government departments to be aware of these opportunities and to think about the excellent SMEs and businesses in regional areas they could procure goods and services through,” Mr Tudehope said.
