The Department of Energy and Public Works has linked with industry, unions and procurement experts to develop a new and improved version of its ‘Buy Queensland’ approach.
Recognising that value for money was more than just the lowest price, Buy Queensland 2023 ensured public spending was used to support all Queenslanders.
Under the enhanced procurement policy, requirements were streamlined and simplified to better maximise local, social, environmental and ethical benefits.
In a statement, the Department said Buy Queensland 2023 ensured public spending would help strengthen the State’s already strong economy and support more jobs.
“It requires Government Agencies to prioritise procurement with small to medium-sized local businesses, especially in regional areas,” the Department said.
“It also requires consideration of how public spending can support meaningful work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
The Department said the latest enhancements to the procurement approach would support innovation and encourage businesses to adopt trials and pilot projects to deliver on a range of policy objectives to improve the lives of Queenslanders.
Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni said a raft of international and domestic challenges made it imperative that the Government secure greater value for Queenslanders from every procurement dollar spent on their behalf.
“Strategic procurement decisions will be instrumental to meeting the State Government’s emissions-reduction targets and to powering Queensland with 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Buy Queensland 2023 offers a creative approach in ensuring the money the Government spends today leaves a lasting positive legacy for Queenslanders today, tomorrow, and for many years to come,” he said.
