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Local Businesses Losing OutNationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe yesterday raised in Parliament the need for the Brumby Government to provide better policy support for regionally based businesses. By Russell Northe - 14th April 2010 - Back to News In a submission from the Australian Industry Group (AIG) regarding the Brumby Government’s 2010-2011 budget priorities; it was the opinion of the AIG that current procurement and purchasing policies excludes the ‘net community benefit’, according to Mr Northe.
"This means that local businesses are missing out on government contracts, because of the focus on the initial purchase price of goods, rather than a value for money scenario which includes important aspects such as skills development and the development of Australian industries," Mr Northe said.
AIG have made it clear that ‘Government Departments are not sufficiently supporting Victorians and Australian businesses’, which Mr Northe said rings true for many local businesses.
"An example of this relates to Australian Paper’s Maryvale mill which is based within the Morwell electorate and is Australia’s largest white paper manufacturer.
"It has to compete extensively with overseas paper manufacturers who neither provide the economic benefit nor environmental performance to match Australian Papers contribution to Victoria.
"I have previously raised in Parliament issues central to the Brumby Government’s procurement policy including print management contracts that have previously seen local printers missing out on providing services to Government departments based in Gippsland. These contracts in some cases are given to interstate based businesses.
"I have also highlighted the significant presence of manufacturers in the Latrobe Valley such as Australia Paper and Gippsland Aeronautics who would benefit greatly from the Brumby Government utilising its products where possible. By doing so our local economy would be boosted and jobs created as a result.
"Surely this would be good for Victoria.
"The Nationals have a strong campaign for putting locals first, and it is difficult to fathom why the Brumby Government can not see the benefits of such a campaign.
"To provide regional businesses with these types of opportunities also means greater support for our sporting clubs, schools, and community groups, whilst creating jobs at the same time.
"If the Brumby Government was serious in its endeavours to grow and support Regional Victoria it must reconsider aspects of its purchasing policy and demonstrate its commitment to better support Victorian manufacturers and businesses particularly those based in Regional Victoria."
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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