Media Statements - Register to open up new opportunities for regional and small business

25/7/00

A world of business opportunities will open up to regional and small to medium enterprises with the development of a Single Supplier Register, Works and Services Minister Rob Johnson said today.

The work of the Western Australian and Commonwealth governments in developing a Single Supplier Register (SSR) was singled out for praise at the annual Australian Procurement and Construction Ministerial Council meeting in South Australia last week.

Mr Johnson said when such a register was adopted nationally, it would provide enormous benefits to suppliers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

“It will allow a supplier anywhere in Australia or New Zealand to register their interest in doing business with any jurisdiction in any geographical area by using a standard Internet browser,” he said.

“A supplier will be able to log on to a secure website and nominate the categories of goods and services they wish to supply.

“In addition, the SSR will hold details such as business names, addresses, unique identifiers and authentication facilities.”

Mr Johnson said that in March this year, the WA Government had sought proposals from the private sector for the implementation of its e-Marketplace, the Government Electronic Market, including the development of a SSR.

Mr Johnson said the benefits of a single register included:

a reduction in the cost and complexity for suppliers dealing with Government;
increased access for businesses - particularly small to medium enterprises and regional suppliers - to Government business opportunities; and -
facilitation of business to business opportunities.

Mr Johnson said the WA Government alone purchased goods and services worth $4.6 billion each year and the creation of a SSR would help all businesses access that market.

Media contact: Fran Hodge (08) 9215 4800