The Australian government has appointed a  Built Environment Supplier Advocate, Mr John Gaskin, who will help Australian companies identify opportunities and promote their interests in making major building projects and procurements more sustainable. 

Announcing the appointment, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said that Mr Gaskin would help Australian companies develop and market their capability so they can access major projects.

“This appointment is part of the Government’s Clean 21 election commitment, which is designed to equip Australian manufacturing for a stronger, cleaner and greener future,” Senator Carr said.

Mr Gaskin is a past president of the Master Builders Association of Queensland and has previously held senior positions with Multiplex Queensland, Watkins Ltd and Watpac Australia.

He will work with industry stakeholders, including the government’s Built Environment Industry Innovation Council, to deliver a whole-of-industry approach and ensure activities are targeted and effective to achieve long-lasting outcomes.

The appointment has been made under the $8.2 million Supplier Advocate Program which funds the appointment of prominent business figures to champion Australian suppliers in major procurements.

Supplier advocates work cooperatively with industry to enhance industry competitiveness, improve tendering practices and increase the use of government programs. Advocates have also been appointed in rail, information technology, clean technologies and water.
For more information on the Supplier Advocate Program, visit www.innovation.gov.au.