On 14 November 2013, the following matter was referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by the first sitting day in March 2014:

The current ratio of Australian goods and services versus imported goods and services utilised by the Commonwealth through procurement procedures, with particular reference to:

1. the current policies and procedures for procurement in Commonwealth departments and agencies, including:
   1. the current effectiveness of procurement policies and procedures,
   2. the effectiveness of any policies or procedures designed to preference Australian goods and services, and
   3. the operation of procurement divisions of departments and agencies, including oversight and scrutiny, cost, and requirements relating to transparency and information-sharing;
2. the current policies and procedures for procurement for major Commonwealth-funded capital projects currently underway or foreshadowed in the budget, including:
   1. the current effectiveness of procurement policies and procedures for these projects,
   2. the effectiveness of any policies designed to preference Australian goods and services, and
   3. the transparency and accountability of project management;
3. the economic, social and environmental benefits of utilising Australian goods and services; and
4. any related matters.

The committee agreed that submissions should be received by 31 December 2013. On 12 February 2014, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 30 June 2014. On 26 June 2014, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 10 July 2014. On 9 July 2014, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 July 2014.

Public Hearing - 28 April 2014 (PDF 48KB)