ANDREW Barr has announced a new position of Local Industry Advocate to give local businesses a fair go in government procurement.

“The Advocate’s first job will be to work with local industry to identify improvements to government procurement processes. I am particularly concerned to ensure our rules and regulations are not designed around the compliance capacity or needs of big players in a way which distorts the procurement process against innovative local firms,” Andrew said.

“Our local businesses tell me they don’t need protection or any special advantages, they just need a level playing field when they compete for government work.

“The Advocate will work exclusively in the interests of the ACT business community to ensure work that can and should be done by local businesses stays in the ACT, building capability and economic activity in our city.

“Our vision for a growing Canberra economy is built on three strategic imperatives: fostering the right business environment, supporting business investment and accelerating business innovation.

“Once established, I will also task the Local Industry Advocate to work with local industry to prepare an Industry Participation Plan. This will renew our business development strategy as the economic situation changes and new opportunities and challenges emerge.

“I have begun consulting with industry to ensure the scope of the advocate’s role meets their needs before we start recruiting someone with the right mix of skills and experience to do this important job.”