5.  Approval Process

Approval of the Portfolio Minister and endorsement of the Treasurer is required to proceed at each of the following stages, with the Treasurer having discretion to refer any such decision to the Economic and Expenditure Reform Committee or Cabinet where the Treasurer considers it appropriate to do so:

•  recommendation to procure as a PPP;

•  release of invitation for expressions of interest;

•  short-listing of proponents;

•  release of request for proposal;

•  selection of preferred proponent; and

•  execution of contract documents.

As per the National Guidelines, additional approvals are required in certain situations such as:

•  where there are material changes to the project including amendments to the key project objectives, scope of services or the conclusions or major assumptions of the business case (including the economic and financial appraisals) change significantly;

•  if there is any material change in the risk allocation from that which was last approved by Government;

•  if an amendment to budget funding is required; and

•  where significant issues relating to the public interest arise.

In these circumstances, the Treasurer will be seeking assurance that the relevant PPP project could still deliver value‑for‑money, retains its overarching objectives and would not compromise the public interest.

Procuring agencies must obtain approval from the DTF prior to entering into any negotiations to amend existing PPP contracts.  Any material changes to PPP contracts will require approval by the Treasurer.