The QStores distribute consumer goods, stationery and school supplies; State Mail provides mail collection, sorting and delivery services; while the Government Printing Service provides total document management solutions. All these services are provided to a wide range of customers, primarily to NSW Government agencies. State Mail and Government Printing Service currently trade as cmSolutions after the merger of the two took place two years ago.
According to a Departmental spokesperson, “As a result of the creation of the NSW Department of Commerce in 2003, a review of the services provided was conducted to establish the new Department’s core business.
“Following a review of commercial units QStores and cmSolutions (incorporating State Mail Service and Government Printing Service) it was concluded that, whilst these businesses provide a high degree of value to the customers they service they are not part of Commerce’s core business.”
The spokesperson says each business operates on a commercial basis with a primary focus on making a profit. They currently compete with the private sector and, in some instances, already utilise the private sector to deliver their services.
“The decision to investigate the sale of these businesses was supported by the capability of private sector companies to efficiently run these enterprises without sacrificing service to government agencies. This is supported by independent business analysis< the spokesperson says. “These businesses are viable, profitable operations that offer opportunities for the private sector to gain government work.” The Invitation for Expressions of Interest document sought responses from all parties who may be interested in purchasing the businesses, individually or in a package form. The Department of Commerce has not indicated an asking price. If the businesses are sold, the Department is likely to purchase goods and services from the new owners of the businesses.
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