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International agreements

Find out the additional rules that apply when international agreements apply to a procurement.

Australia and Victoria are parties to:

  • agreements that support free trade between the parties (these agreements are referred to as international agreements
  • government procurement agreements, where Australia and a neighbouring country agree to open procurement between the countries

Additional procurement rules apply when either or both of international agreements and government procurement agreements apply.

International agreements

International agreements apply to certain agencies

International agreements apply to some, but not all, Victorian Government agencies.

Agencies that need to apply the additional rules set by international agreements are:

When International Agreements apply

International agreements apply to those agencies that must apply the additional rules, where the expected cost of a procurement is more than the thresholds listed below, unless the goods, works or services being procured are excluded from the application of international agreements.

The dollar threshold values that define when international agreements apply are reviewed every 2 years. From 1 March 2020, the revised threshold values are:

  • for goods or services - $697,000 (inclusive of GST)
  • for construction works - $9,819,000 (inclusive of GST)

When international agreements do not apply

The additional rules set by international agreements do not apply to certain procurement:

Additional rules set by international agreements

The additional rules set by international agreements are:

Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement

When the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement applies

All agencies must apply the provisions of the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement.

The Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement applies to all procurement activity, unless the goods, works or services being procured are excluded from application.

When the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement does not apply

The additional rules set by the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement do not apply to certain procurement:

Additional rules set by the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement

The additional rules set by the Australia New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement are:

Domestic dispute resolution

Recent changes to the rules set by international agreements include the requirement for domestic dispute resolution to hear complaints from suppliers. Complaints are heard through arbitration.

When international agreements apply, insert the model arbitration clause – international agreements in request for tender documents.

The model arbitration clause refers to further detail on three issues:

Tools and support

Contact your procurement governance unit if you have any questions on international agreements.

Reviewed 05 July 2023

Buying for Victoria

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