21-27 Review of the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005
| Circular Details | 21-27 / 2 September 2021 / A765843 |
| Who should read this | Councillors / General Managers / Governance and Procurement Staff |
| Contact | Council Governance Team / 02 4428 4100 / olg@olg.nsw.gov.au |
| Action required | Response to OLG |
| PDF Version | 21-27 Review of the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 |
What’s new or changing
- In response to recommendations by the Audit Office, the Office of Local Government (OLG) has undertaken a review of the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) to identify possible amendments that would support councils to make better use of technology when tendering and to achieve greater efficiencies.
- OLG has issued a discussion paper to consult with councils and others on the proposed amendments.
- While OLG’s review is limited to the tendering provisions of the Regulation, councils are also invited to make submissions on possible future reform opportunities in relation to council procurement.
What this will mean for your council
- OLG is inviting submissions from councils and other stakeholders on the discussion paper.
- Submissions may be made online at https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/best-practice-governance-policies/tendering-online-form/, in writing or by completing the form accompanying the discussion paper. Written submissions may be made to olg@olg.nsw.gov.au, marked to the attention of the Council Governance Team and labelled “tendering regulation review”.
- Submissions are due COB Friday 15 October 2021.
Key points
- As a result of its performance audit on Procurement Management in Local Government, the Audit Office has recommended that the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) review and update the tendering provisions of the Regulation to reflect the increasing use of electronic tender submissions rather than paper copies by June 2022.
- The Audit Office has also recommended that DPIE publish comprehensive and updated guidance on effective procurement practices including electronic tender submissions and procurements below the tender threshold. This guidance will be developed in consultation with the local government sector after the Regulations have been amended.
Where to go for further information
- The discussion paper is available on OLG’s website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/review-of-tendering-regulations/.
- For further information please contact the Council Governance team on 02 4428 4100.