New arrangements for how maintenance and repair services are provided to many of South Australia’s most important assets will deliver more effective services and maximise opportunities for local contractors.
The new facilities management model, known as the Future Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements (AGFMA), is designed to optimise the management of critical government assets like hospitals, schools, and prisons.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said that from 1 December 2021 the new arrangements would replace the current facilities management model, which has become outdated since it was introduced in the 1990s.
“It will deliver better maintenance and repair services for Government assets, safer facilities and better coordinated services while delivering the same strong work opportunities for local contractors, including in regional areas,” Minister Wingard said.
“The finalisation of these new arrangements is great news for contractors and small to medium enterprises across the state, and the assets they will maintain.
“Input from those contractors has been invaluable in shaping the new model to ensure the delivery of improvements right across the system.”
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport ran a competitive tender process over the past 12 months, resulting in the appointment of Ventia Pty Ltd, a global company with an established track record of working in South Australia, including with local contractors.
“Ventia is a large and proven facilities management company that provides services throughout regional and metropolitan South Australia and already works with more than 3,000 South Australian contractors and employees,” Minister Wingard said.
“The new arrangements will make it easier to quote for jobs, with less paperwork, and contractors will be able to plan further ahead.”
Until the new arrangements commence on 1 December, services will continue to be coordinated by the existing providers, Spotless and DIT.
“The State Government acknowledges the valued contribution over many years of its facilities services staff, and of the Spotless team, in providing services under the existing model,” Minister Wingard said.
DIT will work closely with its staff, Spotless, Ventia, contractors and government agencies to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements with no disruption to services.
This will include a planned transition program involving a series of road shows, forums, and consultation sessions to ensure that local industry, particularly in regional areas, is supported during the transition and into the future.
