HSV Purchasing Policies FAQs
Is the HSV Strategic Procurement Plan (SPP) the same as the HSV Procurement Activity Plan (PAP)?
Yes. For the purposes of the HSV Purchasing Policies, the Strategic Procurement Plan (SPP) and the Procurement Activity Plan (PAP) refer to the same document. The term Strategic Procurement Plan is being adopted internally by HSV, however, it does not change the function or requirements of the plan under HSV PP1 2.2 b) or HSV PP1 2.2 e) iv).
Do the HSV Purchasing Policies still apply if my health service is included in a Victorian Local Health Service Network?
Yes. HSV Purchasing Policies (HSV PPs) continue to apply to all mandated Victorian public health services listed in Schedules 1 and 5 of the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic), even if they are grouped under a Local Health Service Network (LHSN). The establishment of the LHSNs on 1 July 2025 does not change the legislative requirement for health services to comply with HSV PPs.
Each health service within an LHSN retains its own identity, leadership, and procurement responsibilities. Therefore, compliance with the HSV PPs, which cover governance, strategic analysis, market approach, contract management and asset disposal, and collective purchasing and supply chain, is still mandatory.
The LHSNs group health services within a geographical region and are responsible for supporting collaborative care close to home. They are a key reform pillar under the Health Services Plan.
Under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic):
- HSV is required to monitor compliance with purchasing policies and report irregularities to the Minister (s131(d)).
- A Chief Executive must provide audit reports to HSV (s132(2)(d)).
If you have any questions regarding HSV PPs or reporting requirements, please contact the HSV Compliance Team at: compliance@healthsharevic.org.au.
Should the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) role be a standalone position within a health service?
No. The CPO role, duties and responsibilities can be included in another role, such as Chief Financial Officer. Roles, responsibilities, and capabilities, including the Accountable Officer and Chief Procurement Officer, should be identified and documented in the Procurement Governance Framework.
Does the Fair Jobs Code apply to health services procurement activities?
Victorian Government entities must apply the Fair Jobs Code to all tender processes and procurement contracts, grant applications and subsequent grants.
We would encourage health services to consult with their legal departments for more specific advice.
Are health services required to submit their entire procurement activity plan to HSV?
Health services are required to submit a summary of their 12 to 18-month Procurement Activity Plan, not the entire plan.
Are health services required to publish their procurement activity plan on the website?
Health services are required to publish a summary of their 12 to 18-month Procurement Activity Plan on their website, not the entire plan.
Are health services required to comply with Buying for Victoria goods and services policies?
No. While Buying for Victoria expanded the number of mandated agencies required to comply with its policies on 1 July 2021, it did not include health services listed in Schedule 1 and 5 of the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic).
As per Victoria Government Gazette dated 29 April 2021 these agencies and entities were specifically excluded.
How should health services submit their contracts register, procurement activity plan and on-selling registers to HSV?
Health services should submit their contracts register, procurement activity plan and on-selling register on the HSV template, via the Compliance Portal or email to compliance@healthsharevic.org.au.
Are health services mandated to purchase inventory from HSV’s Supply Chain?
If a health service has been onboarded to purchase from HSV’s Supply Chain, this requirement is mandatory. If your health service has not yet been onboarded, this requirement does not apply.
Which sampling size should auditors use when auditing compliance with the HSV Purchasing Policies?
Auditors should work with health services to determine the right sampling size, depending on spend, complexity and risk. It should be based on materiality.
Are health services auditors required to include Part 3 of the HSV Purchasing Policies in their audit?
No. Part 3 of the HSV Purchasing Policies contains supplementary explanatory material and should not be included in an audit.
Content reviewed: February 2026