Statement of Purchasing Ethics

Overview

This Statement of Purchasing Ethics provides guidance for all sectors of the community when providing goods and/or services to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River (the ‘Shire’). It outlines the Shire’s standards and our expectation that goods and service providers will comply with these standards in all their dealings with the Shire.

This statement also outlines what goods and service providers can expect of the Shire.

What you can expect from the Shire  

The Shire will ensure that all its policies, procedures and practices relating to tendering, quotations, contracting and the purchase of goods and services are consistent with industry leading practice, the highest standards of ethical conduct and legislative requirements.

Our employees are bound by the Shire’s Code of Conduct.

What we require of you  

The Shire requires all providers of goods and services to observe the following principles when doing business with the Shire:

• Comply with all Australian Laws, including Western Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022
• Take all reasonable measures to prevent disclosure of our Shire’s confidential information or information considered confidential by the Shire. All Shire information must be treated as confidential unless otherwise indicated
• Gain an understanding of the Shire’s policies, guidelines and procedures relating to purchasing, including an understanding of this Statement
• All contracted and subcontracted employees are expected to comply with this Statement. If you employ subcontractors in your work for the Shire, you must make them aware of this Statement
• Provide accurate and reliable advice and information when invited or required
• In business relationships with the Shire, parties will respect each other’s intellectual property rights and will formally negotiate any access, licence or use of intellectual property
• Declare actual or perceived conflicts of interests as soon as you or your employees become aware of the conflict
• Act ethically, fairly and honestly in all your dealings with the Shire
• Do not engage in any form of collusive practice, including offering Shire employees or Councillors inducements or incentives designed to influence the conduct of their duties, including canvassing of Councillors and Shire employees during a purchasing process or when engaged in Contract with the Shire
• Demonstrate a regard for the local economy and a supply chain that supports local business development
• Do not discuss Shire business or information by making public comment in the media or to other individuals and organisations
• Assist the Shire to prevent unethical practices in business relationships by reporting such practices.

Why is compliance important?

By complying with the Shire’s Statement of Purchasing Ethics, you will be able to advance your business objectives and interests in a fair and ethical manner. As all Shire suppliers of goods and services are required to comply with this Statement, compliance will not disadvantage you in any way.

You should also be aware of the consequences of not complying with the Shire’s ethical requirements when doing business with the Shire. Improper or unethical conduct could lead to a contract not being awarded, termination of contract or loss of future work with the Shire. Overall business reputation can also be detrimentally affected if corrupt and criminal behaviour is made public.

Complying with the Shire’s purchasing principles will also prepare your business for dealing with the ethical requirements of other local governments and public sector agencies should you choose to do business with them.

More information and contact

For more information contact the Shire’s Procurement Team on (08) 9780 5255 or email [email protected]