In 2011, Local Government Focus highlighted Michael Robinson’s vision for reforming local government procurement for councils in his region — a system that moved away from rigid, outdated frameworks and toward one centred on genuine competition, supplier merit, and community outcomes. At the time, Michael’s efforts at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council challenged entrenched procurement structures that prioritised compliance over value, process over practicality. The article captured the beginnings of a long-term mission: to reimagine procurement as a driver of efficiency, transparency and flexibility in local government.

Fourteen years later, that vision has come to fruition with the launch of Local Government Contracts Australia (LGCA), founded on the principle that procurement should empower—not limit—councils. LGCA is thrilled to offer an innovative and competitive alternative to the current aggregated procurement market. At the heart of this offering is the National Local Government Suppliers Register (NLGSR), its flagship product. The NLGSR is an approved list of suppliers that councils can use to establish contracts for works and services. Suppliers must meet the requirements of a comprehensive assessment process to be included in the NLGSR. Buyers can evaluate supplier credentials before engagement through a supported best practice request for quote process. The NLGSR serves all councils Australia wide and covers all categories of council expenditure.

Through the NLGSR, LGCA delivers a modern, agile alternative to legacy procurement models.
More than a platform, the NLGSR represents the culmination of years of experience and two years of dedicated development to address the long-standing challenges of aggregation, compliance, governance and cost.

It was built to dismantle the unnecessary complexity, cost, and exclusion that have defined public procurement for decades. Its approach is grounded in LGCA’s four pillars: Practical, Ethical, Sustainable, and Value-driven procurement. These principles guide every aspect of our mission, from supplier onboarding to contract closeout. LGCA’s model ensures that councils have access to fair, competitive procurement without the administrative burden or financial barriers that have traditionally disadvantaged both councils and suppliers.

Central to the NLGSR is a Contracts-as-a-Service model, which provides structured support from cradle to grave—from RFQ development and issuance, through evaluation, contract award, and post-award management. Councils are not left to navigate complex procurement processes alone. LGCA delivers expert guidance and compliant documentation every step of the way, ensuring decisions are made with confidence and accountability.

Importantly, LGCA also removes the hidden costs that often accompany procurement platforms. Councils access the NLGSR and all associated support without upfront costs, ongoing fees, or subscription charges. Suppliers, too, benefit from a zero-cost registration and participation model, ensuring businesses of all sizes—especially regional and small enterprises—can compete on a level playing field.

Michael Robinson’s original pursuit—to bring fairness, efficiency, and true value to council procurement—has now come to fruition.
The NLGSR by LGCA, stands as a direct response to the challenges he encountered in 2011. It is not just a better way to procure; it is built to last, designed with integrity, and responsive to the real-world needs of councils and suppliers alike.