I am pleased to release the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) reflecting the Australian Government’s policies and expectations for procuring officials.
The Commonwealth procurement framework (framework) plays a vital role in shaping Australia’s economy. The CPRs are the foundation of that framework and support flexibility for Government entities to determine the best and most appropriate approach to procure the goods and services they need, with procurements undertaken to the highest standards of ethics and probity. These CPRs support open and fair competition and uphold strong local and international engagements between the Australian Government and businesses.
For the first time, the CPRs have introduced requirements to prioritise Australian businesses in procurements below the relevant procurement thresholds, and likewise prioritise procurement from Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for panels such as the Management Advisory Services Panel, People Panel and the Digital Marketplace. To support this, the definition of an Australian business, released earlier this year, has been incorporated into the CPRs. The CPRs have also lifted the non‑construction procurement threshold for the first time in 20 years, increasing the number of procurement opportunities available exclusively for Australian businesses.
By using Commonwealth procurement to support Australian businesses and SMEs, including Indigenous businesses, the Government is building a strong economy supporting Australian ingenuity and innovation. The Australian Government is committed to seeking greater opportunities for Australian businesses in Commonwealth procurement consistent with our international obligations.
I have made these Commonwealth Procurement Rules under section 105B(1) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The previous Commonwealth Procurement Rules 1 July 2024 (F2024L00627) are repealed when this instrument commences on 17 November 2025.
Katy Gallagher
Minister for Finance
