Advance Record Management boss Peter Newland feels abandoned by TAC

The TAC has been accused of “turning its back” on Geelong businesses after a recent tender process for information storage.

Advance Record Management managing director Peter Newland says the TAC has “abandoned” his Geelong-based business. Picture: Supplied

A Geelong business owner has accused the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of “turning its back” on local businesses and wasting taxpayer money.

Advance Record Management had been contracted for the past 12 years by the TAC for digital and hard copy document storage but recently found out it had lost the tender to continue that service.

Managing director Peter Newland said the organisation’s public declaration of a long-term commitment to Victoria’s second largest city was “worthless”.

“The Geelong-headquartered commission has abandoned ARM, a local, nimble and competitive Geelong business, for what we understand is a metropolitan overseas-owned multinational,” he said.

However, a TAC spokesman said it was in the final stages of awarding the contract and would be meeting shortly with unsuccessful tenderers to provide feedback on their submissions and address any questions.

Mr Newland claimed: “There is absolutely no commercial, environmental or social upside in that decision and contradicts its claims of aiding the city’s growth.”

Mr Newland said the company had a positive relationship with the TAC and met every service level agreement.

“We know our pricing is highly competitive and our security, efficiency and credibility impeccable,” he said.

“The decision to snub a local business with a proven track record is abominable, particularly when it will cost $500,000 to retrieve, verify and package its files and $200,000 to relocate.

“That is throwing away taxpayers’ money at a time when the state is facing massive debt.”

Mr Newland said it appeared the decision did not make sense.

“(The commission’s) touted long-term commitment to contribute to Geelong’s growth appears nothing more than an empty promise,” he said.

A TAC spokesman said the tender for the its five-year archival services contract began in July this year, as required ahead of contract expiry.

He said the tender process was highly competitive and tenderers were evaluated across a range of criteria, including the Local Jobs First policy.

Originally published as Advance Record Management boss Peter Newland feels abandoned by TAC