The State Contracts Control Board (SCCB) is a statutory board established under Chapter Seven of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act (NSW) 2002 and reports to the Minister for Commerce. The Public Sector Management (Goods and Services) Regulation (NSW) 2000 sets out the details of the role and functions of the SCCB.

The role and functions of the SCCB include:

• Arrangement for the supply and disposal of goods and service for the public sector service and development of associated procedures.
• Advice to the Minister for Commerce on whole of government procurement practice for the public sector service.
• Investigation and resolution of grievances arising in the course of government procurement (including competitive neutrality issues).

The Regulation requires that competition to supply goods and services is maximised, that probity is maintained in tendering and that the tender selected should be the most advantageous to the public service.

The SCCB arranges purchasing of commonly used goods and services on behalf of the public sector service through state contracts. These contracts are standing offers by suppliers, which apply for a specific time. Due to the consolidation of purchasing power, the SCCB is able to obtain advantageous prices and more attractive conditions, which fully comply with the Government's purchasing legislation and policy. Government departments and agencies are required to purchase directly through these contracts and avoid the need to go through a costly tendering process.

In the absence of an SCCB contract for the required goods or services, departments and agencies are authorised by the SCCB to undertake their own procurement to certain financial levels up to a maximum of $150,000. Details of the SCCB authorisation are found in the SCCB General Purchasing Delegation.

Expanded SCCB role in NSW Government Procurement

The Public Sector Employment and Management Act (NSW) 2002 was amended in April 2007 to expand the SCCB's responsibilities to cover the NSW Government public sector service.  The public sector service includes all Government agencies, including Statutory Authorities, Trusts and other government entities, and all that is defined under the Act, excluding House of parliament, the President or Speaker.

Further Information

Enquiries concerning the role and functions of the SCCB, contact:

Myla Bulaon

SCCB and Ministerials Officer:
Telephone: (02) 9372 8076; or
Fax:  (02) 9372 7533

Email: myla.bulaon@commerce.nsw.gov.au