Australia's purchasing profession needs an image make-over to help the public and private sectors save millions of dollars.

That is according to purchasing educator Ken Dooley, who said that many local government and commercial purchasing systems lacked profile and were lagging behind those of State governments in terms of professionalism. He said the systems of the federal government and of federal institutions had also lost ground.

Mr Dooley, of Central Queensland University, said this lack of profile and professionalism was costing millions of taxpayer and shareholder dollars each year.

While overall there are problems, there are some bright spots. More than 5000 purchasing officers across Queensland and New South Wales are using a combination of online, distance and face-to-face learning to upgrade their professional purchasing skills, using CQU materials and assessments.

"Purchasing is just not sexy enough so many organisations consign it to the wilderness. However, it might become sexy if taxpayers and shareholders realise the amount of waste involved," Mr Dooley said. ENDS.

For details call Ken Dooley via 0438 710 455 or via k.dooley@cqu.edu.au