Sustainable procurement decisions consider the environmental and social impacts (both positive and negative) from products and services alongside the cost. Considering the environmental and social impacts from procurement aligns with Australian Government obligations to spend public money efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically. As a large procurer (the Australian Government spent over $32 billion in 2010–11 on contracted goods and services), the Australian Government can have a leading role as a model purchaser to encourage good practices by its suppliers by using its purchasing power to achieve environmental and social benefits and, at the same time, reduce its costs