I think this is where the Minister clearly misunderstands the situation. This looks like nothing other than a sole-source. Clearly it says one supplier’s name. Anybody who wants to compete has to call the local competitor and say, well, I need to understand what these local product numbers are. Are these catalogue numbers out of your book? Because they’re certainly not out of any of the national suppliers’ books, they’re out of a very specific company’s book. They also used the spreadsheet off this specific company where they have to go to to get pricing in order to compete. To pull this back and make sure that everyone’s aware that they all know what they are at least working against would be the only way to do this. If it’s anything but that, it seems wrong and unfair. Why won’t the Minister admit to that and see it and treat it fairly by pulling it back and saying let’s do this openly and honestly, make sure everyone has a fair chance?
Robert Hawkins on Question 165-16(5): Department Of Health And Social Services Tendering Process
In the Legislative Assembly on May 19th, 2010. See this statement in context.
Question 165-16(5): Department Of Health And Social Services Tendering Process
Oral Questions
May 18th, 2010
See context to find out what was said next.