ANDREW Barr says Kate Lundy has been appointed as the ACT’s first Local Industry Advocate to ensure local businesses are given every opportunity to participate in ACT Government projects.

“This fulfils a commitment I made earlier this year to establish the position of an advocate to 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,” 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 deliver this.

“Her role is to make sure ACT Government procurement processes don’t inadvertently disadvantage ACT businesses. This is not just a matter of fairness, it’s also important for our economy.

“Winning ACT Government contracts stimulates the local economy and supports private sector jobs in Canberra. Also, as ACT companies deliver more projects, they build capability and skills to win further contracts nationally and internationally.

“It is particularly pleasing to have such a prominent and well respected person in Ms Lundy fill this role. Ms Lundy’s experience in Federal Parliament, combined with broad private sector experience working closely with and within a range of industries, makes her the ideal candidate for this role.

“One of Ms Lundy’s first tasks when she starts in January next year will be to work with local industry and other stakeholders to prepare a Local Industry Participation Policy. This will lay out the policy framework and requirements for government funded procurement projects to ensure the highest level of local business participation. It will reflect our national procurement policy obligations and any other treaty requirement.

“Today’s announcement further builds on the raft of initiatives set out in the Business Development Strategy Confident and Business Ready: Building our strengths which I launched in May this year with a focus on continuing to create the right business environment to accelerate innovation and investment.

Ms Lundy’s appointment represents yet another step in supporting the local business sector and I look forward to working with her in this role.