The Victorian Government has promised that rate payers will be getting the ‘best value’ following the release of the Victorian Local Government Best Practice Procurement Guidelines 2013.

State Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, said that the guidelines will encourage councils to use their ‘significant purchasing power’ to drive the economy for the economy.

“Ratepayers have a right to expect that councils are spending their funds efficiently and appropriately – objectives that the guidelines will advance,” Ms Powell said.

“Comprehensive and easy-to-read, the new guidelines will help councils to get best value for their $4.7 billion annual purchase of goods and services.

“With leadership, a greater focus on accountability and transparency, and an eye on the long-term benefits of procurement decisions, Victorian councils can continue to lead the nation in providing best value to ratepayers,” Mrs Powell said.

The Victorian Local Government Best Practice Procurement Guidelines 2013 can be downloaded at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/local-government-reform/procurement