The Northern Territory Government has announced the establishment of a Territory Procurement Champion position to support local businesses to grow.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill said the Territory Procurement Champion is a key part of the Government’s reform agenda to redesign how procurement governance, advocacy and assurance services are delivered to better support local business.
The Minister said a significant reform program to modernise government procurement practices will be rolled out across 2025 and 2026.
The program aims to reduce unnecessary red tape, making government procurement more efficient for all stakeholders, and drive economic growth in the Territory.
From 1 July, the Buy Local Industry Advocate (BLIA) contract will come to a natural end, coinciding with the retirement of the current BLIA, Denys Stedman. Minister Cahill confirmed the role will not be renewed.
“I want to acknowledge and thank Mr Denys Stedman, who was appointed as the inaugural BLIA in 2018,” she said.
“Mr Stedman’s role championed fair, full and reasonable opportunities for Territory businesses to compete for government contracts.
“I thank him for his hard work and strong advocacy in improving procurement outcomes for local businesses.”
“These procurement reforms are part of the CLP Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and make the Northern Territory the best place in Australia to do business.”
The Buy Local Plan will remain in place to support local businesses to tender for and win Government work, the Minister said.
With the cessation of the BLIA role, the Territory Procurement Champion position will be responsible for handling procurement complaints at arm’s length and engaging businesses and government to drive more local procurement outcomes.
An Expression of Interest process will open on 23 June and close on 14 July.
More information about the procurement changes will be available in the coming weeks.
Procurement complaints and enquiries can continue to be referred to procurementnt@nt.gov.au.
