“Standardising contracts and streamlining tender processes for major public infrastructure projects like roads adds up to one thing – cost savings for taxpayers,” said Roads Australia President, David Stuart-Watt.
“The reform opportunities outlined in the Government’s Reforming Public Construction policy paper will, if followed through on, reduce the cost of bidding and result in more competitive tenders.”
Mr Stuart-Watt congratulated the Government for wanting to work with industry to reform the current procurement process.
“There’s a lot of unnecessary duplication and inefficiencies in the current system – all of which costs bidders time and money, which in turn is reflected in tender prices,” he said.
“Earlier this year, Roads Australia met with Treasurer Pallas, who invited our ideas to improve the current process. We’re delighted that all the issues raised in our submission have been identified in the Government’s response as genuine opportunities for reform.
“These include simplifying current processes and requirements, building greater certainty into the approvals process, greater consistency across departments and agencies, more transparency, and harmonising risk definitions for key contractual items.
“We now look forward to working with the Government to implement as many reforms as possible, as soon as possible.”