The Department of Administrative Services is carrying out a series of major purchasing and supply reforms.

As part of this process, a series of measures will be put into effect over the next 12 months which should substantially improve the service levels provided by the Government Supply warehouse operation at Alexandria while maintaining competitive prices.

The Department of Administrative Services has appointed the private sector company, AWASCo, to manage the warehousing and distribution operation of the Government warehouse. This should provide substantial savings for the Government and major benefits for customers. The Department of Administrative Services will be writing shortly to customers about benefits they will receive and the operational arrangements.

To enable these savings and benefits to be achieved, the Department has indicated it is essential that the present customer base be maintained for one year. After that time the warehouse will be in open competition in the market place.

Accordingly, all Departments and administrative offices, which do not have statutory powers to purchase goods other than through the Government warehouse are required to continue to buy from the warehouse for the 1990/91 financial year.

I would appreciate if you would bring this requirement to the attention of all the agencies within your portfolio.

To achieve further Government-wide economies, other public sector organisations are encouraged to use the warehouse for common use items.

NF Greiner
Premier

Issued by OPM
Date: 4th July, 1990