In 2017, the Queensland Government introduced a series of procurement reforms aimed at strengthening local industry participation and supporting regional economic development.
(!)This article refers to the 2017 version of the Queensland Procurement Policy (QPP).
For the latest 2026 updates and current requirements, read our updated guide here → Queensland Procurement Policy 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Overview of the 2017 Queensland Procurement Policy Changes
In 2017, the Queensland Government introduced a series of procurement reforms aimed at strengthening local industry participation and supporting regional economic development. The policy changes focused on increasing the role of Queensland based businesses in government contracts while maintaining value for money principles.
Key reforms introduced at the time included:
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Applying a local benefits test to significant procurements
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Giving greater consideration to non cost factors such as quality, delivery, service and broader government objectives
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Inviting at least one Queensland and one regional supplier (where possible) to quote on opportunities
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Increasing opportunities for apprentices and trainees in infrastructure projects valued at $100 million or more
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Encouraging the use of local contractors and manufacturers in large projects
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Expanding access to procurement outside common-use supply arrangements in regional and remote areas
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Increasing procurement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
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Adjusting ICT QAssure and Prequalification (PQC) system thresholds
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Introducing Forward Procurement Pipelines to improve visibility of upcoming opportunities
What Was Considered a “Significant Procurement”?
Under the 2017 framework, a significant procurement referred to goods or services identified by an agency as involving high expenditure and/or higher levels of business risk.
The policy placed additional requirements on these procurements to support local participation and economic outcomes.
Definition of a Local Supplier (2017)
The 2017 policy defined a local supplier as a business maintaining a workforce whose usual place of residence was within a 125 km radius of where the goods or services were to be supplied.
Where no suitable supplier existed within that radius, consideration could be given to suppliers within the broader local region.
Policy Evolution
Since 2017, the Queensland Procurement Policy has undergone further reform, with updated objectives, thresholds and industry participation requirements introduced in 2026.
For the most current guidance on how the QPP applies today, including local benefits, Indigenous procurement targets and supplier requirements refer to our updated article: Queensland Procurement Policy 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Looking for more procurement insights? Explore our latest blogs covering Queensland, ACT and Commonwealth policy updates, tendering strategies and supplier guidance.
