From SHOP Consulting to LGCA and back again
For the past several months, I have had the unique opportunity to serve as Acting General Manager of Local Government Contracts Australia (LGCA), a newly formed organisation dedicated to transforming the procurement and contracting landscape for councils across Australia. LGCA was launched with a bold mission: to revolutionise the way local governments engage with suppliers by fostering a fair, transparent, and sustainable procurement marketplace. This secondment has been an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to contribute to the development of a national system designed to break down barriers, especially for smaller and regional businesses that often find it difficult to compete in council procurement. One particular achievement has been the partnership with the team at Cotiss to help deliver this solution.
My role at LGCA was a natural extension of my work at SHOP Consulting , where for almost 2 years we have been delivering tailored procurement solutions to councils across Australia. At LGCA, we have established a National Local Government Supplier Register, a platform that aims to democratise access to government contracts. One of LGCA’s core principles was to eliminate unnecessary fees and burdens that often stifle competition, such as charges for downloading tender documents or annual administrative fees. By removing these obstacles, we set the stage for a more inclusive procurement environment where smaller players could have the same opportunities as larger corporations. Through this, we aimed to stimulate innovation and drive local economic development in regional areas, which aligns with my long-standing vision at SHOP Consulting.
In my time with LGCA, one of the major achievements was the development of a robust framework that councils can use to navigate the procurement process more efficiently and transparently. This wasn’t just about compliance—it was about setting up systems that provide councils with a competitive edge while remaining fair to all parties involved. By the time my secondment concluded, LGCA had already begun to make significant strides in reshaping the procurement landscape, paving the way for future councils to engage with suppliers in a more ethical and sustainable manner. I now hand over the reins to the new General Manager and team with the best of luck!
Transitioning Back to SHOP Consulting: Building on Success
Now that my time with LGCA has come to an end, I am thrilled to return my full focus to SHOP Consulting, which has continued to grow and evolve during my time with LGCA. SHOP Consulting has always been about more than just consultancy services—we are partners in our clients’ success, offering comprehensive, innovative solutions that enable councils to improve not only their procurement processes but also their operational effectiveness overall.
A key example of this is our work with Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC), which has been one of the highlights of SHOP Consulting’s recent projects. We collaborated with BVSC to develop a procurement program that streamlined their operations and adhered to best practice procurement standards. The results were so transformative that BVSC recently won an award for this program, a recognition that speaks to the quality and sustainability of the solutions we helped provide. This project, in particular, encapsulates everything we aim to achieve at SHOP Consulting: creating practical, innovative frameworks that deliver measurable improvements in both governance and efficiency. Our involvement didn’t stop at the planning stage; we continued to work closely with BVSC throughout implementation, ensuring the system not only met compliance requirements but was also user-friendly and adaptable to future needs.
SHOP Consulting has built its reputation on such partnerships, where our role extends beyond the typical consultant-client relationship. We don’t simply offer advice and leave councils to figure things out—we stay with them through every step of the process, from initial strategy development to system implementation and long-term support. Our approach is holistic: we combine procurement expertise with a deep understanding of local government needs, helping councils not only meet their regulatory obligations but also find ways to operate more efficiently and effectively. This is reflected in our wide range of services, which include procurement systems design, tender facilitation, contract management, probity services, and policy development.
SHOP Consulting: Expanding Capacity to Support Councils Nationwide
With my return to SHOP Consulting, I’m excited to focus on what we do best: helping local governments across Australia strengthen their procurement and governance frameworks. As we continue to grow, we are expanding our capacity to take on even more projects, assisting councils at every stage of their procurement journey. Whether a council is looking to redesign its procurement processes from the ground up or simply needs assistance with compliance, we have the expertise to step in and make a difference.
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At SHOP Consulting, we understand the unique challenges facing councils, from limited resources to the growing complexity of regulatory requirements. Our role is to provide tailored solutions that not only address these challenges but turn them into opportunities for growth and improvement. The BVSC project is just one example of how we can help councils achieve tangible results—whether that’s winning industry recognition for best practices, saving costs through more efficient systems, or improving transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
As we look to the future, my priority is to build on the momentum we’ve generated and continue expanding our service offering. At SHOP, we’re ready to meet the demand. With our expanded capacity, we can support any council, anywhere in Australia, at any time, with solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
We pride ourselves on being able to deliver results quickly and effectively, without sacrificing quality. Whether a council needs a new procurement system, assistance with contract management, or help navigating compliance issues, SHOP Consulting is here to help. And because we are deeply familiar with the public sector, we know how to tailor our solutions to the specific needs of local government.
A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
My time at LGCA reaffirmed my belief that the local government procurement landscape in Australia is at a pivotal moment. The pressure on councils to do more with less, while maintaining compliance and transparency, has never been greater. However, with the right tools, strategies, and partnerships, councils can not only meet these challenges but excel. At SHOP Consulting, we are committed to helping councils thrive by offering solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and most importantly, practical.
Our philosophy has always been to take a hands-on approach, working alongside councils to ensure that the systems we put in place deliver long-term value. Whether it’s developing procurement policies, facilitating tenders, or managing complex contracts, we offer the expertise councils need to operate more efficiently and transparently. We are also deeply committed to promoting ethical procurement practices that benefit not only councils but also their suppliers and the broader community.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities for both LGCA and SHOP Consulting. LGCA has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and transparent procurement marketplace, and I’m confident that SHOP Consulting will continue to play a key role in helping councils navigate this evolving landscape. With our expanded capacity and deep expertise, we are well-positioned to help councils across Australia improve their procurement practices and achieve operational excellence.
For councils seeking a trusted partner to support their procurement or contract management needs, SHOP Consulting is ready and equipped to deliver results. We offer tailored solutions, a track record of success, and a deep commitment to helping councils meet their goals. The future of local government procurement is bright, and we are excited to be part of that journey.