Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. Sandy Macdonald, today announced that Defence is moving to a new national Strategic Supplier Arrangements (SSA) panel for the provision of office requisites and janitorial products. “Defence spends over $16 million annually on office requisites and janitorial products. It is important that the Commonwealth ensures it receives value for money,” Senator Macdonald said. Senator Macdonald advised that the successful panellists are Corporate Express Australia Limited and OfficeMax Australia Limited.

These standing offers will commence on 1July 2006, for an initial term of three years with a further two one-year extension options available to the Commonwealth. As a minimum, the 2 panellists are to ensure that 10% of the value of supplies provided to Defence is provided by small and medium enterprises. Office requisites and janitorial products typically include stationery, copy paper, printing consumables and catering packaging.