The State Government has shown great initiative by launching what it claims to be the world’s first government online procurement service.
The Government said the service would provide savings of about $100 million a year and could be adapted by governments around the world.
Savings would be provided by vastly reduced transaction costs – from up to $100 to only $10.
The Government plays an enormous role in the economy, spending about $5 billion on goods and services each year.
The challenge for the Government is to ensure users and potential users are familiar with the Government Electronic Market.
The scheme is another example of the tangible advantages provided by technology such as the Internet.
It also follows the lead of some of the world’s biggest companies that are moving towards developing Internet procurement portals.
The message to suppliers is simple – stay on the pace or miss out.
It is another challenge faced by small business.
The portals will enable large companies to better pick and chose their suppliers.
It will also allow them to reduce costs by rationalising their number of suppliers.
The hits keep coming If the interest rates don’t get you, the spiralling price of fuel will.
It is easy to be pessimistic and cynical.
Which can be a shame when there is so much to be excited and positive about.
However, the knocks for business – yet again mainly small business – just keep coming.
The hoop-la associated with the new tax system was soon followed by yet another interest rate increase and the strong possibility of another.
To compound this, the price of fuel fluctuates more often than the form of the Fremantle Dockers.
The result for some businesses will be devastating – particularly those with a high transport component.
It is time the Federal Government showed some initiative and reduced its share of the excise.
Maybe it is time governments started to more seriously consider alternatives to traditional forms of engines.
The Japanese and some Europeans countries are well advanced in the development of cars propelled by a small petrol engine and an electric motor.
The environment would appreciate it, too.
What price an hour?
It is that time of the year again – yes, the old perennial daylight saving question.
WA will soon fall a further hour behind most other states.
The same questions will be thrown up about the merits of adopting daylight saving.
From a business perspective with the eastern states, it makes sense.
Why let a two-hour disadvantage become three?
Who knows, there may even be some lifestyle advantages.
Time may tell.