The countdown is on. With major events like the Brisbane 2032 Games and billion-dollar Government investments in energy, transport and other infrastructure, Queensland is experiencing never-before-seen growth. Launching 1 January 2026, the first procurement policy unveiled by the Crisafulli Government delivers 52 pages of outcome-focused planning that promises direct and measurable opportunities with 30% of annual spend ringfenced for local small to family businesses. 

Key Links

• See the Queensland Procurement Policy here 
• Visit the Queensland Government’s Growth Hub to see how you can get ready 

Highlights

• The Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 represents the most significant reform of public procurement in decades. 
• The policy reframes procurement as a strategic tool to drive economic, social, and environmental value. 
• Greater emphasis will be placed on local and regional participation, innovation, and sustainability. 
• The framework introduces clearer accountability, streamlined processes, and new data-driven transparency measures. 
• Implementation success will depend on consistency across agencies and collaboration with industry. 

We can expect to see clarity and focus on supporting key priorities, backing all parts of Queensland’s diverse community and allowing everyone to contribute. A streamlined supplier portal, clear exemption thresholds, and the peeling back of bureaucracy are some of the efforts being made to facilitate an open, competitive, and fair implementation system. The removal of Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) is aimed at unlocking the construction industry and increasing productivity. A new Procurement Assurance Model (PAM) – set to be implemented on 1 January 2027 – will provide new ethical compliance framework and incentives for suppliers. 

Why It Matters

The 2026 procurement policy presents the government’s new overarching policy for procurement of goods and services. It establishes clear expectations for agencies and suppliers on value for money, risk management, and transparency. 

Under the new policy, government agencies will be required to take a proactive and transparent approach to data collation through tools such as the Procurement Spend Portal and PAM. These new models will assist in tracking supplier performance, spending patterns, and delivery outcomes. Enhancing transparency while increasing scrutiny on project management and reporting will greatly assist in communication and partnerships between industry and government. 

The focus on local opportunities and regional participation reinforces the Queensland Charter for Local Content and will likely influence how major contractors structure their supply chains and subcontracting strategies. With a target of sourcing at least 30% of procurement by value from Queensland SMEs, local industry development progresses from an aspirational goal to a measurable outcome. 

The 2026 policy also formalises early market engagement, ensuring that agencies involve industry sooner in procurement design. This approach has long been advocated by the infrastructure sector and should lead to more practical, cost-effective, and innovative solutions across major projects. 

Opportunities

Suppliers that demonstrate new approaches or technologies can qualify for streamlined approval processes, rewarding innovation and practical problem-solving.  

Contractors investing in low-emission materials, circular economy practices, or inclusive employment models will be better aligned with government priorities. 

Regional participation will also be a key focus with procurement decisions to be explicitly linked to regional development goals. This should open opportunities for smaller and regionally based companies to play a greater role in major project delivery. Simplified documentation and tender processes are expected to make government contracting more accessible and predictable for businesses of all sizes. 

Implementation

With a core purpose to deliver value for Queensland, the 2026 procurement policy lays out clear intentions. A consistent implementation will be critical to ensure a smooth transition for both industry and government.  

The forthcoming PAM will add another layer of oversight, as industry partners continue government relationships and professional practices. Designed to reward high-performing and ethical suppliers, industry partners will strive to balance leveraging incentives with increased reporting and compliance obligations. 

IAQ Perspective

As we strive to represent our members and further their government relations, IAQ welcomes the policy’s focus on value, innovation, and local participation. A procurement framework that prioritises life-long value and regional opportunity aligns with the sector’s goals of sustainable growth, quality delivery, and meaningful community outcomes. 

IAQ will continue collaborating with the Queensland Government to ensure the latest policy is applied consistently, maintaining momentum in project delivery and safeguarding confidence in the infrastructure pipeline. 

Looking Ahead

Queensland is entering a transformative decade of infrastructure investment – from energy and transport to housing, health, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new procurement policy provides a modern framework that has strong potential to strengthen local capability, encourage innovation, and deliver lasting value for communities across the state. We encourage members to read the Queensland Procurement Policy and visit the government’s Growth Hub to learn how to prepare for upcoming opportunities. IAQ will continue to bring you updates and relevant information relating to Queensland-based procurement.