Please note this is a HunterNet Member only event - please email info@hunternet.com.au for more information on how you can enjoy the Power of Many.

Sustainability Forum – Government Procurement Reset

In April 2024, the Australian Government announced its Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy, in what is one of the most significant public sector shake-ups of local supply chains and manufacturing in recent times. Starting this June with construction services projects above $7.5 million but moving on next year to textiles, ICT goods, and furniture, fittings and equipment above $1 million, all tenders awarded by Australian Government agencies will be required to meet sustainability outcomes. This will include circularity targets for input efficiencies, recovered resources and recycled materials.

There are significant commercial opportunities for businesses contracting to government who are focused on sustainability, starting with opting for recycled content into production inputs and adopting resource-efficient production models. This forum, presented by the circular economy enterprise Circular Central project provides an overview of why government has targeted procurement policy for intervention, what the details of the new policy landscape are, and how businesses can take their first steps towards gaining competitive advantage in this area.

Join industry expert Ritchie for an enlightening workshop on how the circular economy can revolutionise your construction business. This session will delve into strategies for effectively managing materials, reducing costs, and boosting your working capital. Learn how to redistribute excess stock, utilize quality second-hand materials, and align resource usage with project timelines. Discover the financial and environmental benefits of moving from a 'take, make, waste' model to a sustainable 'reduce, reuse, recycle' approach. Embrace innovation and sustainability to enhance your financial health and project success.

About our speakers:

Dr. Thomas Michel, co-founder of the Circular Central project, is a passionate and experienced facilitator of innovation, circular economy, and a clean-tech future for our economy. He’s focused-on enterprise growth and increased investment being made available for Australia's transition to a circular economy and clean energy future. Thomas has a professional background in economic development, change management and data analytics, and holds a PhD in anthropology. He brings a practical approach to real-world solution-making that focuses on communication and engagement.

Ritchie Djamhur is the founder of Superyard, the certified Social Enterprise that’s on a mission to help businesses and the community thrive through the power of the circular economy. For the past 20 years, Ritchie has held senior sales, marketing & leadership roles in supplier, end-customer & intermediary companies. For the past 4 years he has been driving operational excellence as a Chief Operating Officer in the construction industry. Ritchie is driven by finding better ways to do business and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Please arrive at 7.45am for an 8am start.