The Local Buy initiative first began helping Territory suppliers cut through red tape and secure council contracts in 2015, and a new five-year deal will see more opportunities for local business to grow. 

Instead of working through time-consuming tenders for every project, NT businesses can be pre-qualified for councils across the Territory’s 18 local governments and can call on them directly for work. 

The payoff? More contracts, less paperwork and real growth opportunities for local suppliers. 

Local business owners say the difference is clear. 

“Local Buy allows suppliers to quote on local projects through a streamlined procurement process, enabling businesses such as ours to deliver projects with ease,” says CivEng NT co-owner Natasha Bertinazzi. 

She’s seen first-hand how the system keeps money in the community. 

“The streamlined procurement process means there is more money for community infrastructure and, as a result, more support for NT businesses to grow.” 

Adam Stockwell of Think Water says Local Buy is about building confidence. 

“It enables councils to purchase from suppliers they have already pre-qualified, which means we can focus on understanding and solving customer challenges. In return, councils are able to buy from businesses that have invested in meeting their needs.” 

Local Government Association of the NT chief executive Mary Watson says the real power of Local Buy lies in its ability to keep contracts local. 

“Having NT suppliers on Local Buy is particularly important as it ensures that councils can support local providers and keep work within the Territory, while reducing the administrative burden of lengthy tenders,” she says. 

With 48 supplier arrangements across seven key portfolios, covering everything from civil construction and roads to ICT, libraries and electricity, there’s enormous scope for local firms to get involved. 

Local Government Association of the NT is encouraging more Territory businesses to become Local Buy pre-qualified, especially as the system now highlights suppliers who meet key social and environmental standards. 

Rachel Pritchard, the association’s Director of Corporate Services, says Supplier Intelligence Badges are a game-changer. 

“They allow councils to easily identify and prioritise businesses, such as Aboriginal-owned enterprises, certified by organisations, such as the NT Indigenous Business Network, or those committed to environmental, social and governance principles,” she says. 

And while there’s a small fee for businesses to register, sole traders, Aboriginal businesses, and charities are exempt, making it easier for everyone to get a foot in the door. 

For councils, Local Buy reduces risk and saves time and money. For NT suppliers, it strips away barriers and creates direct access to new projects. 

Put simply, it’s a win-win: stronger councils, stronger communities, and a thriving local business sector. TQ 

CONTACT 

Local Government Association of the NT 

(08) 8944 9688 

localbuy@lgant.asn.au 

lgant.asn.au