state minister recognises innovation and value in private sector
National Monday Update Issue:
Troy Buswell (Treasurer, Minister for Commerce: including small business, trade, consumer protection, IR), Science and Innovation, Housing and Works,) confirmed last week that the State Government was planning a significant number of infrastructure projects for delivery as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Mr Buswell said projects announced today by the Attorney General were the first transactions in what would become a pipeline of PPPs in health, education, correctional services and utilities in Western Australia.
“We will actively pursue PPPs when they offer value‑for‑money and are in the public interest,” he said.
“This year, expressions of interest will be sought from industry for at least four PPPs in these important areas.”
PPPs are significant long-term arrangements involving private sector delivery of infrastructure and related services in support of the Government’s broader service responsibilities.
A number of other infrastructure projects will progress through planning stages and be released to the market during 2011.
PPPs are part of the State Government’s push to bring forward infrastructure investment and maximise value with innovative delivery of infrastructure and services.
The Treasurer said moving beyond traditional ‘construct only’ contracting with the private sector towards engagement over the entire asset life cycle would allow the Government to benefit from innovation in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure and the State Government services they supported.
“Industry and the Government should work collaboratively to deliver important public infrastructure, service outcomes and value‑for‑money for the WA community,” he said.