Page 2870 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 29 June 2011
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I have some disappointment in introducing this motion today, because it reflects the fact that the government has not made the effort that the Greens, and many in the community, believe that we need to have made by this point. It was over a year ago, in June 2010, that the government announced its changed tender process to favour organisations that employ people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed. This was a very welcome announcement. There was a great sense of anticipation amongst the community sector and businesses. But a year later, not a lot has happened. There is now a sense of frustration from some in the community, sparked by the promises that they have not seen fulfilled.
Firstly though, I want to emphasise some of the important positives about social procurement, and why we need effective action in this area. I refer members to points (1)(e), (f), and (g) of my motion. Point (1)(e) notes the capacity of the ACT government’s procurement decisions to affect positive social and economic outcomes, particularly amongst disadvantaged groups within the community. The reality is that the government is in a privileged position and it can make a large difference with a small amount of action.
It is a very large contractor, employing many people, and it particularly employs people in areas of work that are ideal for social procurement contracting. The government is a big employer of people in areas such as catering, waste management, landscaping, maintenance and cleaning. These are all areas that are typically suitable for disadvantaged people—people with disabilities or people who are long-term unemployed. The government’s efforts also send a strong signal to the community and to business. If we care about offering opportunities to Canberrans who have little opportunity, then developing a strong program of government social procurement is one of the first things to get right.
Point (1)(f) of my motion points out that supporting local social enterprises through government procurement is an important way to support the local economy. I think this is something we need to emphasise. We cannot overlook the importance of developing our local economy, and this ties into point (1)(g) of my motion, which notes that social enterprises can form a very important part of the green economy strategy for the ACT, or what some would call the clean economy strategy.
This is of course something that the Greens believe in very strongly. As economies reshape themselves in response to the environmental challenges we are facing, they will need to become greener. Social procurement can be part of that, and it can play a very important part in developing local green businesses and industries. Waste and recycling is a very good example. I cite the example of Renewable Processes, which recycles e-waste here in Canberra, and it also employs a large number of people with a disability.
The contracting scenario that involved this local company has been the subject of some concern. Members will recall that the estimates committee recently reported on the procurement process undertaken in relation to recycling contracts. It made some recommendations.
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