OFFICE OF THE INDUSTRY ADVOCATE

The Office of the Industry Advocate’s role is to take action to further the objectives of the South Australian Industry Participation Policy and to build the capability and capacity of businesses based in South Australia to participate in State Government contracts.

Our objectives are to:

• Build the capacity of businesses in the State to successfully tender for Government contracts
• Recommend changes to policy and practices that remove impediments to industry participation
  Initiate procurement reforms that provide greater economic benefit to the State and businesses
• Industry growth and diversification.

South Australia’s economy is driven by small businesses, with over 90% being in the SME category, and a large number of those wanting to tap into State government contracts. 

The government recognised this, and established the Industry Advocate to support the thriving small business sector in the State to achieve a greater share of government contracts.

In doing so, the government acknowledged the need for improved communication between government purchasers and potential providers, active collaboration between businesses – and indeed – industries, review of current systems and removal of process barriers. 

For example, pre-qualification systems can streamline tendering overall, but businesses that are not pre-qualified will often find that they cannot bid for Government work.