Taxpayers are fighting back: transparency and accountability does not mean inefficiency

Government procurement processes, no matter what the country or jurisdiction, demands a high level of transparency and accountability through its purchasing of goods and services. The need for increased approval levels in the process is seen as a requirement in order to protect taxpayers’ funds and is cited as a reason for not being able to implement best or emerging practice as seen in private organisations. However, today’s taxpayers are perhaps much smarter than ever before. As taxpayers, it is extremely rare that we sing the praises of governments who are undertaking inefficient procurement practices but use the excuse that it is in our own interests to do so! Taxpayers are fed up with inefficiency and want their governments to reduce the cost of the procurement process so more funds can be diverted to issues such as healthcare and other programs. This paper and presentation will discuss what some of the issues are and will quote some examples of inefficient practices and how they can be overcome, without necessarily losing transparency. The paper will also outline that within government accountability is held up as an ideal, but often given lip-service and this lack of true accountability is hampering the path towards efficient government procurement practices.