Published on : Friday, May 23, 2014
‘Well done to Western Australia’s Parliamentary Speaker Michael Sutherland who recently spent almost $27,000 on Australian made furniture including a table, 12 chairs and lounge for his office,’ says Australian Furniture Association (AFA) CEO, Patrizia Torelli.
‘Mr Sutherland’s decision reflects the AFA’s recent demand for greater support from all governments in relation to procurement of Australian products and services, much the same way our international trading partners support their own industry sectors,’ confirms Ms Torelli.
‘The AFA recently made the submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee Inquiry: Commonwealth Procurement Procedures to argue the case to increase the current ratio of Australian goods and services versus imported goods and services.’
‘The AFA has strong views on the issues of procurement. Australian business should have full and fair access to supply goods and services required by the Government and for all major projects undertaken across the country however currently Australian manufacturers are often overlooked,’ reports Ms Torelli. ‘If our governments adopted similar procurements rules, for example the USA, then the Australian manufacturing sector and our economy would be far healthier than it is now.’
‘A holistic approach should be adopted with regard to the procurement of such goods. As outlined in the 2012 Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), achieving value for money is the core requirement of procuring officers. The AFA believes emphasis should be placed on value for money over the entire life of the product, as opposed to only the initial upfront costs. Local manufacturers are able to provide higher quality products, as well as maintenance and through-life support which their international counter-parts are not able to offer,’ states Ms Torelli. ‘We only hope that Mr Sutherland’s actions send a clear message to his political colleagues and all government departments at every level.’
‘We encourage an awareness raising campaign with government procurement officers and departments which highlights the full capabilities of Australian manufacturers and would willingly work cooperatively with government agencies to develop the necessary information campaigns for purchasing and procurement officers (public and private) to ensure that the true costs and benefits of using Australian or imported product is understood and implemented. Responsible manufacturing is a key benefit of purchasing Australian made products. Domestic suppliers are subject to stringent Australian and International requirements and standards that are rigorously enforced. In choosing to procure furniture from Australian businesses, the Government can ensure:
– The continued growth of the Australian economy through the provision of opportunities to lift domestic output and incomes
– Assist with making Australian furniture the first choice in local and global markets
– Timber used in all wood and wood based items has been sourced legally
– Environmental impacts are appropriately managed during manufacturing process
– The potential for using renewable and recycled components is maximised
– Hazardous substances will be eliminated from the furniture production process
Tags: Australian Furniture Association, Australian manufacturers, Michael Sutherland, Ms Torelli, Patrizia Torelli
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