The Hon. Jaala Pulford, Minister for Employment
Mr Danny Pearson, Assistant Treasure
The Victorian Government is supporting Victoria's economic and social recovery through its Social Procurement Framework by getting people and communities who most need support into jobs.
This nation-leading initiative harnesses government spending to ensure every Victorian – no matter their gender, background or ability – has a chance to share in the prosperity of our state has to offer, and to create a sustainable future for all Victorians.
The Victorian Government is the biggest spender in our state’s economy. In 2020-21, $24.8 billion was spent on goods and services to support service delivery a nd operations, and a further $15 billion on public construction and infrastructure. Moving forward annual infrastructure spending is set to average $22.5 billion from 2021-22 to 2024-25, based on the current pipeline of projects.
By using this spending power wisely, we are driving social, environmental and economic outcomes, including inclusive employment, while still providing value for money.
Value for money is not simply finding the cheapest price – it also means leveraging public spending to create a more equitable and sustainable state. This value is embedded in the objectives of the Social Procurement Framework and outlined in case studies and stories throughout this report. It is clear from these stories that this work is changing lives, circumstances and conversations, and transforming communities.
We're creating jobs with fair wages and providing opportunities for every Victorian to participate in our society, share in our prosperity, and have a stake in Victoria’s future.
It is also leading to smarter ways of dealing with waste and recycling, managing our water and other scarce resources, and looking after our environment for future generations of Victorians. Now, in its third reporting year, the framework demonstrates that these objectives are indeed standard practice for the Victorian Government.
The Victorian Government has continued to purchase goods and services from social benefit suppliers, such as social enterprises and Aboriginal businesses despite the unprecedented social, health and economic circumstances brought on by the pandemic. This has supported these businesses to not only grow, but to reinvest in local jobs and communities.
And as we rebuild and recover from this once-in-a-century shock, initiatives like the Social Procurement Framework will help to ensure that the opportunities that lie ahead can be shared.
Reviewed 05 July 2023