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A new NSW Government policy aims to boost regional economies in the wake of drought, bushfires and COVID-19. Photo: File.
A new policy passed by the NSW Government will encourage government agencies to consider purchasing goods and services from small, medium and regional businesses for all direct procurements up to $250,000.
The NSW Government’s Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy aims to boost regional economies in the wake of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The policy also provides a ‘small business exemption’ to give local businesses an opportunity to cut through red tape and government processes.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the policy is a positive step for local small businesses as they recover from all the economic challenges of 2020.
“When it comes to procuring goods and services, government departments will give first consideration to the excellent local tradies, businesses and shopfronts in local regional communities,” she said.
“It will allow government departments to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000, even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
“There has never been a better time for government departments to look locally when it comes to spending procurement dollars.”
Businesses can also access free independent advice on how to connect their goods and services to government agencies through the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.
More information is available online at Business Connect.