Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

As I indicated in my response to the primary answer, there are some limitations under international agreements as to what we can mandate in this space. The Department of the Environment only buys 100 per cent recycled copy paper and encourages other agencies to do the same. The government is moving departments and agencies to digital format record keeping from 2011, guided by the whole-of-government Digital Transition Policy. All agencies are expected to comply with this policy by December 2015. This has resulted in a significant drop in the use of paper across the whole Commonwealth government. Industry was consulted on this policy and its impact on paper usage.

The finance department's Commonwealth Procurement Rules ensure environmental sustainability is part of the considerations in achieving the cost-effective use of resources in procurement decisions. The Commonwealth Procurement Rules incorporate the relevant provisions from Australia's international agreements, which limit the extent to which the Commonwealth government can preference local suppliers. (Time expired)