Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Sustainable Procurement Principles) 2020

# Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Sustainable Procurement Principles) Bill 2020 ## What it does This bill requires Australian government agencies to think about the environment when they buy things. Specifically, it forces them to follow new "sustainable procurement principles" — basically rules about preferring recycled goods, reusable items, and products with lower environmental impact. By July 2025, federal agencies must make sure at least 30% of their goods purchases are recycled products. ## Why it matters Government agencies spend billions buying everything from office supplies to vehicles. If they shift that purchasing power toward recycled and sustainable goods, it could create real market demand for those products and reduce waste. It's a way to make the public sector practice what it preaches on climate and environmental responsibility. ## Key details - **Who it affects:** All Commonwealth government agencies and their decision-makers (called "accountable authorities") - **The 30% rule:** Starting 1 July 2025, at least 30% of an agency's annual goods purchases must be recycled products — this is a hard requirement, not a suggestion - **How it works:** A government minister can set the detailed rules through a legislative instrument, but those rules must follow the sustainability principles outlined in the bill (reusable/repairable goods preferred, recycled materials prioritised, lower environmental impact chosen)

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament