Businesses will now find it easier to bid for Australian Government tenders thanks to the official launch of the Austender website: www.tenders.gov.au

This quick and easy to access system will allow Government agencies to advertise business opportunities online with tender documentation available for download. The suppliers will then be able to submit their responses electronically after reading this information.

Businesses will also have the opportunity of being notified via email of any tender opportunities which are relevant to them.

The aim is to level the playing field for small to medium enterprises by providing access to more information outside of normal business hours.

The key benefits of this new secure service include increasing the time for bid development; reducing the costs of responding to tenders and allowing suppliers to do business with government at any time and any place they prefer.

Further improvements could be introduced to the Government's relationship with businesses locally and internationally thanks to Australia and Japan signing an agreement this week on an enhanced framework cooperation in information, communications technology (ICT) and e-commerce.

This framework will improve cross-border recognition of digital certificates; create better trust and certainty with online transactions; promote government activities; improve broadband access and address digital divide issues.

Trade Minister Mark Vaile welcomed the signing: "The Australian-Japan Trade and Economic Framework identified information and communications technology and e-commerce as a particular area in which our two countries could increase cooperation.

"The ICT framework is one of a number of positive outcomes that have emerged from the Trade and Economic Framework. It will bring concrete benefits to our trade and economic relationship with Japan."

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