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Procurement complaints

You can make a complaint if you are unhappy about the way we have procured goods or services or if you believe we have breached Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

About the complaints process

The Government Procurement (Judicial Review) Act 2018 protects the rights of suppliers or potential suppliers to government agencies.

Procurement covered under the Act:

  • goods and/or services at or above $80,000 (GST inc)
  • construction services at or above $7.5 million (GST inc) not covered by an exemption.

If you believe we have breached Commonwealth Procurement Rules, you can make a complaint by email.

When we receive your complaint we:

  • acknowledge we’ve received it
  • assess whether it meets the criteria under the Act
  • (if appropriate) suspend the procurement unless a public interest certificate is issued
  • investigate and work with you to resolve the issue within 10 business days
  • let you know if it will take longer.

At the end of the process, you will receive a report on the outcome of the investigation.

You can also apply to the court for an injunction or compensation under the Act. Note that you need to submit a complaint with us first and show how the breach affected your interests.

Read more about Commonwealth Procurement Rules and exemptions on the Department of Finance website.

How to make a complaint

Email our department’s procurement coordinator to make a complaint. Attach copies of all relevant documents.

To help us resolve your complaint quickly, include the following information in your written submission:

  • your name, supplier business name, ABN, address, phone and email
  • details of the procurement including the service, estimated contract value, relevant times and dates, AusTender ID and UNSPSC code (if known)
  • a factual and concise outline of your complaint and any Commonwealth Procurement Rules you believe we breached
  • any other information, documents or evidence to support your complaint.

When we receive your complaint we:

  • acknowledge we’ve received it
  • investigate and work with you to resolve the issue within 10 business days
  • let you know if it will take longer.

If you are happy with the outcome, we’ll close the matter and consider it resolved.

If you are not happy with the outcome, you can raise it with the Australian Government procurement coordinator or Commonwealth Ombudsman.

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