Victorian eServices panel review delivers positive outcomes for industry and government

Australia’s peak body for the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has today welcomed an announcement by the Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips that a refresh of the Victorian Government eServices Panel will be completed by 31 October 2011.

"AIIA has worked closely with every sector of the ICT industry affected by the recent review of the eServices panel,” said AIIA National Chair Philip Cronin. "The Victorian Government demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to the concerns of industry and working towards outcomes that will better serve the State, and the results are clear in today’s announcement.”

"The changes recognise the importance that ICT plays not only in the development of robust government, but in the development of an innovative and resilient economy. This will be very good for industry development in the State, and particularly for SMEs. The Victorian Government is to be commended.”

On 1 July this year, the eServices Panel was revised from 271 companies to 188, with close to 600 applications for the panel in all. Under the changes announced today, the existing panel will be refreshed by October 31 this year to provide local SMEs and wider industry with broader access to Government business opportunities. "AIIA has worked very closely with the Victorian Government to deliver the right outcomes,” explained AIIA Victorian Branch Chair Russell Yardley.

"This is a good outcome from industry and government. Minister Rich-Phillips is to be congratulated on bringing a sensible approach to the table with the aim of balancing the best interests of government and industry.”

"One of the most significant results of the current review will be the establishment of an industry / government working party charged with providing advice to the Victorian Government on the future approach and operation of the eServices panel. AIIA will be working very closely with the Government to ensure to best possible outcomes for the State.”

The Department of Treasury and Finance will provide greatly improved detail surrounding the Panel’s evaluation criteria prior to the eServices refresh. Companies unsuccessful in the previous round of applications will be able to maintain their existing bids or submit revised bids for consideration; the process will also be open to any company who had not previously applied.

Exemptions to the current eServices Panel are possible and any exemptions granted will be published to improve transparency. Statistics on the usage of the Panel will also be made publically available on a regular basis.

"Transparency in the development and implementation of procurement processes is one of the most important principles in the development of good public policy,” said Mr Yardley.

"This depends on high levels of engagement between industry and government as processes are designed. We have achieved that in Victoria, and I believe that we will see continued development of a vibrant local industry that will serve as the foundation for very strong ICT leadership in Victoria.”