These are my initial views after 30 days as the Australian Government Procurement Coordinator. They are neither firmly held nor fully formed. It is clear though that there is no burning platform for change. However, there could be room for some sharpening up.

The Australian Government spent $41.4 billion on procurement in FY 2011-12 as recorded on AusTender over some 80,000 contracts. This was up some $10b from FY 2010-11 but similar to FY 2009-10.

As shown on the slide, the Australian Government buys a significant proportion of Australian goos and services.

(Although reversed on this slide - oops) 55% of the spend is on services and 45% on goods

As shown here, 96% by value of procurement was in contracts valued at greater than $80,000.

Conversely, only 29% of contracts were valued at greater than $80,000.

39% of contracts by values and 55% by number were procured from small and medium enterprises.

Since the Procurement Coordinator position was established, there have been only four complaints and three other enquiries. It is not clear whether this is a result of a high level of satisfaction with the procurement process or a low level of knowledge of the availability of the avenue for complaints. We will be reviewing this situation further.