Businesses who engage in serious misconduct or abuse of trust could soon be barred from being awarded state government contracts, under planned legislative reform.
Last week, the Herald revealed scaffolding firm Synergy, which had been repeatedly promoted by the scandal-plagued CFMEU, had contracts for work on NSW public hospital, public school and the Sydney Metro, despite a catastrophic safety record and alleged links to a bikie boss and other underworld figures.
NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos says the government must ensure public money is spent responsibly.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
The supplier debarment scheme is currently being devised as part of a range of reforms to the state government’s procurement processes.
Details of the scheme are not yet finalised, and the state government will undertake consultation with industry and other stakeholders to develop the new rules.