1 October 2025
Local businesses will benefit from a simpler and more transparent procurement system, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government today appointing Mr Tom Harris as the inaugural Territory Procurement Champion.
The appointment of Mr Harris coincides with procurement reforms that are transforming how the Government purchases goods and services. These reforms are designed to cut red tape, increase local opportunities, and make doing business with government more effective.
As Procurement Champion, Mr Harris will independently handle procurement complaints and work closely with businesses and government agencies to increase opportunities for local procurement.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, said: "The Territory Procurement Champion will give businesses confidence that their voices are being heard and that we are serious about making procurement fairer, simpler and more transparent."
"I welcome Tom Harris as the inaugural Territory Procurement Champion, who will be charged with engaging with businesses and government to drive more local procurement," Ms Cahill said.
Mr Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. As the current Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Contractors Federation NT, he has extensive expertise in construction contract management and a strong track record of engaging with industry to deliver outcomes that support business growth and local jobs.
"I'm very proud to have been given the opportunity to be the Territory Procurement Champion. I have a long and ongoing connection to the Northern Territory and know that growth within our local business community is a major factor in driving economic development opportunities throughout our region," Mr Harris said.
Mr Harris will commence as Procurement Champion on 1 November 2025 and will be a key advocate for ensuring procurement continues to deliver benefits for the Territory economy and community.
The procurement reforms come into effect on 1 October 2025 and will:
Simplify local buying, with the Tier 1 purchasing cap increasing from $15,000 to $50,000Increase local buying opportunities, with the Tier 2 purchasing cap increasing from $100,000 to $200,000; and Streamline everyday purchases by allowing direct purchasing from a Territory business for low-risk, readily available and commonly used supplies.
