The Victorian Government has agreed to postpone its controversial print outsourcing tender.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced the move late yesterday (Wednesday). It follows a concerted effort by Printing Industries and industry companies to have the tender pulled until the issues which provoked it are properly investigated and local industry given the opportunity for input.  

Printing Industries General Manager - Victoria & Tasmania, Ron Patterson, said the move was welcomed and would allow the printing industry to provide its expertise to ensure the Victorian Government's print needs were matched with a fair and efficient procurement system.  

“This is far from the end of the issue but it is a good first step. This opens the door to transparency and co-operation between government and industry with the shared objective of keeping Victorian Government printing in Victoria and allowing our industry to provide the high quality solutions that can only value-add to the government’s communication and budgetary goals,” he said.  

“There are many issues around this tender that still need answers. We can now begin the process of discussing these co-operatively and ensuring a positive outcome for all concerned.”  

Mr Patterson said that following the Premier’s announcement, immediate steps had been taken to advance discussions.  

“We realise that timing is an issue and are ready, willing and able to begin these discussions today if need be and undertake a review of the government’s cost benefit analysis which prompted its original tender outsourcing decision.  

“We will continue to keep the industry informed on how this progresses,” he said