Government to review IT contracts

Special Minister of State Eric Abetz said the review aimed to "continue to reduce costs to both suppliers and government by simplifying and streamlining the purchasing process".

Senator Abetz said there ould be "extensive consultation which will provide industry and government agencies with the opportunity to have their say on how the system operates at the moment and what we can do to improve it."

A consultant is being appointed this week to undertake consultations and recommend improvements to the contracting framework.

"We will deliver a consistent and comprehensive set of procurement arrangements, including contractual agreements, founded on best practice. The Australian Government Information Management Office will also develop tools and guides to provide government agencies with expert advice on procurement," Senator Abetz said.

A spokesperson for Senator Abetz could not comment on what issues would be prioritised, saying the review would reveal the areas requiring attention.

He said, however, that no matter what the outcome of the review, the small-to-medium enterprise segment would always be an "important group" for the government to consider.