Hawkesbury MP believes new policy is a positive step forward for local businesses

Government agencies will need to first consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000.

The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy will provide a boost to regional economies such as the Hawkesbury.

The policy also provides a 'Small Business Exemption' to give local businesses an opportunity to cut through red tape and government processes.

Government departments will be able to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.

"It's great that government departments will give first consideration to the excellent local tradies, businesses and shops in local regional communities such as Hawkesbury when it comes to procuring goods and services," Ms Preston said.

"There's never been a better time for government departments to look locally when it comes to spending procurement dollars.

"This will assist businesses in the Hawkesbury as they recover from all the economic challenges of 2020."

"Businesses can also access free independent business advice to build their capability to supply goods and services to government, through the NSW Government's Business Connect program."

For more information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy, go to https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regional-procurement-policy.

To access Business Connect specialist procurement support visit www.business.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect.