Purchasing policies and compliance

HealthShare Victoria (HSV) has a legislated power under subsection 134(1) of the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) (The Act) to make, amend and revoke purchasing policies relating to the supply of goods and services to the Victorian health services. These policies may also cover the management and disposal of goods. 

This power supports HSV’s function under The Act to develop, implement and review policies and practices to promote best value and probity. The Health Purchasing Policies (HPPs) were originally introduced in 2014 to ensure HSV meets this function under The Act. 

The HSV PPs guide health services on best-practice procurement, offering but not limited to; 

  • greater oversight of government spending; 

  • a principles-based approach to implementing probity strategy into internal procurement practices; 

  • simplified processes; and  

  • value for money. 

Health services listed in Schedule 1 and 5 in The Act are required to comply with the HSV PPs. 

2022 amendments 

Amendments to the HSV Purchasing Policies were approved by the HSV Board in October 2022.