ACA - SA Advocacy - February update

John Held , 26 February 2014

ACA – SA has kicked off 2014 with energy and enthusiasm. John Held provides an update on recent advocacy and initiatives.

ACA – SA traditionally organises and subsidises White Card training for members’ staff. We are looking to organise another course in the near future. If you have staff that require training, contact Cate Roberts at sa@aca.org.au

Limitations of Liability

There have been several recent government policy announcements – based on work of Ian Nightingale, Industry Participation Advocate, and the Office of the Industry Advocate – which may affect government consultancy contracts. ACA is a member of the advisory group, which aims to encourage local participation in government contracting.

The ten significant procurement reforms include limitation of liability on contracts valued under $1m and the abolition of Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) prequalification fees from 1 July.

We are seeking clarification as to how such a limitation of liability will work and will send updates when available.

SA Construction Industry Forum

ACA – SA is represented on this industry group. Recent activity included meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure and also providing feedback to Rob Ackland of Local Government Association Procurement (LGAP). Their aim is to coordinate procurement across local government including templates for consultancy agreements.

ACA notes that we would like to see further standardisation of contract conditions including reasonable liability clauses and intend to discuss this further with LGAP

DPTI Construction Professionals Forum

There are a number of issues which need to be discussed with DPTI Project services, and ACA – SA will try to reinvigorate this forum to ensure members’ concerns are being addressed.

University Procurement

The ACA – SA Committee recently discussed procurement methodologies of university building projects and intends to discuss concerns with the relevant bodies to ensure we promote best practice procurement for South Australian universities.

Meeting with Shadow Minister for Infrastructure

ACA – SA recently met with Vickie Chapman, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, to discuss issues including ACA’s desire to retain centralised and standardised procurement for consulting services for government rather than devolution of that function to individual departments.

WHS Proforma Documents – a Reminder for Members

ACA – SA would appreciate feedback on the WHS proforma checklists issued last year. Please provide any suggestions for clarifications and improvements as soon as you can. Contact John Held jfheld@rusyel.com.au with your suggestions.

John Held is ACA – SA President and a director of Russell & Yelland.