The WA Government has introduced Australia’s first debarment regime as part of procurement reforms. 

Businesses that engage in illegal activity can now be banned from tendering for government projects, or have current contracts cancelled, under the new reforms. 

The new regulations are designed to improve business practices and enhance integrity in procurement.

The debarment regime covers a range of offences from fraud to breaches of occupational health and safety legislation.

In the worst cases of wrongdoing such as a supplier being convicted of fraud, bribery or corruption, the new regime could be used to prevent these suppliers from doing business with the Government.

The regime will apply to suppliers who supply and subcontract to supply goods, services, community services and works to the Western Australian Government. It also applies to suppliers and subcontractors who propose to supply to the State.

There will be three categories of debarment conduct with the most serious conduct leading to suppliers being debarred for up to five years.