About the VGPB in 2022-23

The Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB) is a Victorian Government-owned body corporate established under the Financial Management Act 1994 (FMA). The VGPB sets the supply policies that govern procurement of non-construction goods and services across all Victorian Government departments and specified entities subject to the Standing Directions 2018 under the Financial Management Act 1994 (2018 Directions).

Effective procurement saves time and money, reduces risk and supports a well-functioning government to deliver high quality public services to the Victorian community.

The VGPB’s role is to:

• develop, implement and review supply policies and practices 
• monitor compliance by departments and specified entities
• foster improvements in procurement practices
• establish and maintain a comprehensive database of purchasing data of departments and specified entities and supply markets for access by departments and specified entities.

This annual report summarises the work carried out to meet our legislative obligations and achieve our vision over the past financial year from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

This report is required under section 54M of the FMA and is available for download at Goods and services annual reports in PDF and accessible online format.

Reporting structure 

The VGPB reports directly to the Minister for Government Services and is supported by the Procurement Policy and Analytics team in the Department of Government Services (DGS).

Scope of VGPB policies 

Under section 54B of the FMA, the VGPB is responsible for monitoring compliance by departments and specified entities with VGPB supply policies.

Effective 1 July 2021, the VGPB expanded its scope to include agencies subject to the 2018 Standing Directions (with some exceptions).

The VGPB’s goods and services policies apply to:

• departments and specified entities including VGPB expansion agencies from 1 July 2021
• Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC)
• offices or bodies specified in section 16(1) of the Public Administration Act 2004
• administrative offices established in relation to a department under Section 11(a) of the Public Administration Act 2004.

For a list of departments and agencies bound by VGPB policy, refer to Goods and services mandated agencies.

VGPB policy framework

The VGPB policy framework is comprised of 5 principle-based policies which support a strategic and efficient approach to the procurement of goods and services:

• Governance
• Complexity and capability assessment
• Market analysis and review
• Market approach
• Contract management and contract disclosure

The framework covers the whole procurement lifecycle from governance and strategy through to contract management and disclosure. Government departments and agencies operating under the VGPB framework must align their internal policies to the 5 VGPB policies.

VGPB policies emphasise forward planning and analysis to inform the procurement strategy, and ensuring appropriate capability to match the complexity of procurements. The policies are underpinned by the principles of probity, accountability, scalability and value for money. Each policy is supported by good practice guides, tools and templates to assist buyers and enable consistent application across government.

Every VGPB agency adopts a procurement governance framework, strategy, policies and processes scaled to its procurement profile and must have the appropriate capability and oversight to carry out its procurements.

In addition to VGPB policies, there are a range of procurement-related policies that leverage government procurement to achieve broader policy outcomes, such as inclusive employment and environmental sustainability. 

Board meetings

The VGPB meets once every 2 months to progress its work program.

The Board held 6 meetings over the reporting period. Meeting attendance is listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Board meeting attendance in 2022–23

Board members

The VGPB has a chairperson and requires a minimum of 6 other members. Board members are selected based on experience and expertise relevant to the work of the Board. They can be internal or external to government.

In July 2022, new member Charleene Mundine was appointed to the Board and Denise Dyer and Peter Lane were reappointed for a second 3-year term.

Nadine Lennie (Chair)

Nadine Lennie is a finance professional with more than 25 years of experience in procurement across large-scale programs to deliver projects in both the public and private sectors. Nadine brings to the position of chairperson extensive financial acumen, experience working in government policy frameworks and expertise in leadership and board management.

Nadine is currently the Group Chief Financial Officer at Transgrid, having previously held the position of Group Chief Financial Officer at Atlas Arteria, an international toll road company based in Melbourne.

Charleene Mundine 

Charleene Mundine is a procurement professional with experience in a diverse range of delivery environments, including large infrastructure and multidisciplinary building projects. Charleene is the Founder and Director of DLCM, an organisation supporting First Nation and socially diverse communities.

Leveraging her cultural heritage as a Wehabal woman from the West Bundjalung nation, Charleene works with government, non-profit and corporate sectors to improve economic participation for First Nation people through procurement and employment strategies.

Claire Thomas 

Claire Thomas is an economics professional with a background in public policy and administration. Now an independent public policy consultant, Claire has provided economic and public policy advice to a range of government and not-for-profit organisations.

Claire is currently an independent member of the Department of Justice and Community Safety Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Denise Dyer

Denise Dyer is a multi-skilled professional with extensive experience in procurement, property and stakeholder relationship management. She has expertise in delivering major capability and change projects including information technology initiatives across a large, complex government business enterprise.

Denise also has a background in finance, consulting and in achieving social procurement outcomes in sourcing activities. Previously Denise chaired the Corporate Real Estate Committee of the Victorian Property Council, and was the Company Secretary of corProcure, a joint venture between major corporations to promote global buying. Denise is currently the Associate Director Campus and Asset Services at Swinburne University of Technology.

Peter Gluskie 

Peter Gluskie is an information and communications technology (ICT) professional with significant procurement experience in a range of sectors including technology, telecommunications, supply chain and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) organisations.

Peter brings to the VGPB significant experience leading complex technology transformation projects and procurements, along with expertise in governance, data and insights, complex problem-solving and financial management. Peter is currently a director/principal at Eagle Advantage Pty Ltd, a program management and strategy delivery consultancy.

Peter Lane 

Peter Lane is an experienced information technology professional primarily in the private sector and is currently the Chief Information Officer for Goodstart Early Learning. Before this, Peter was employed in the Victorian Public Service as Chief Information Officer in the former Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Peter has a background in consulting in the United Kingdom and as a technology professional with General Motors. Peter has provided leadership and expertise to the Board, particularly in relation to oversight of technology SPCs and the VGPB’s strategic priority to enhance procurement systems and data.

Raoul Wainwright 

Raoul Wainwright is an experienced industrial advocate, with a strong background in workplace relations and community services. Raoul has substantial experience in public policy development and working with government at all levels.

Raoul brings a practical understanding of the role of procurement in driving social, employment and environmental outcomes, in line with the Government’s commitment to driving deeper value for money from procurement, including through the Social Procurement Framework.

Samantha Winter

Samantha Winter is an accomplished finance executive, non-executive director and audit and risk committee chair. Samantha brings extensive commercial expertise, including significant goods and services procurement across the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Samantha has a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic planning, ICT and project delivery, business improvement and general management in a range of complex service organisations overseeing diverse operations and stakeholders.

Assessing the VGPB's performance 

Each year, VGPB members conduct individual and Board assessments of performance over the previous 12 months and identify opportunities for improvement. In line with VPSC good practice guidance, the self-assessment considers several key areas, including fulfilment of legislative requirements, strategic leadership, governance, board meetings and decision-making, integrity, diversity and stakeholder relationships.

Board members reflected on the VGPB’s strong focus on strategic leadership, governance and decision-making; with key themes aligned to the VGPB’s strategic priorities. Members noted the success of the VGPB’s meaningful engagement with a diverse range of key stakeholders, and value of ongoing programs of work such as compliance monitoring, improving data management and reporting. Members also noted the value delivered from the dedicated focus on the VGPB’s strategic priorities, including ensuring policies and guidance are fit-for-purpose, and the importance of identifying further opportunities for driving uplift in procurement capability and visibility across government.