Australian Tenders Blog

Queensland Procurement Policy 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Chloe Breach | 08/12/25 07:06

From 1 January 2026, the Queensland Government will roll out the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026), reshaping how billions of dollars in public spending are managed. The new policy places stronger emphasis on value for money, local suppliers, sustainability, and ethical supply chains. If you’re a Queensland supplier, SME, or buyer, now is the time to understand what’s changing and how to prepare. 

 

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What is QPP 2026? 

The Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 sets out how Queensland Government agencies must plan, source and manage procurement. It replaces the Queensland Procurement Policy 2023 and is structured into five parts: 

1. Queensland Procurement Approach: vision, five pillars and reporting framework 
2. Queensland Procurement Rules: mandatory and best practice procurement rules 
3. Procurement Assurance Model (PAM): ethical supplier assurance and incentives 
4. Glossary: key terms and definitions 
5. Record of changes The policy applies to all Queensland Government agencies, with government-owned corporations expected to align where practical. 

 

Key dates 

 

 

The five pillars of the Queensland Procurement Approach 

1. Value for Queensland

Under this pillar, value is defined as more than just price, with agencies required to consider whole of life costs, the impact on the local economy, supply chain security and the long-term benefits delivered to Queensland communities. 

Supplier takeaway: value, reliability, innovation and alignment with government priorities will matter more than price alone. 

 

2. Local opportunities

The policy prioritises Queensland SMEs, family businesses, regional enterprises and local manufacturing. 

 Key targets include: 

  • At least 30% of procurement by value from Queensland SMEs 
  • Increased engagement of regional and local subcontractors

 Supplier takeaway: Demonstrating local workforce, local content and regional impact will strengthen your tender response. 

 

3. Easy to do business

QPP 2026 aims to reduce red tape and improve supplier experience through: 

  • Streamlined processes and simpler documentation 
  • More use of just-in-time information requests 
  • A single procurement web presence 
  • Greater visibility of future opportunities via the Forward Procurement Pipeline

Supplier takeaway: Expect clearer documentation and better visibility of upcoming tenders. 

 

4. Open to new ideas & innovation

Agencies are encouraged to adopt outcome-based specifications, pilots and innovation challenges, with exemptions available for successful innovation participants. 

Supplier takeaway: Innovative suppliers and tech providers have clearer pathways to engage government early and showcase solutions. 

 

5. Practical economic, environmental & social impact

Sustainability and inclusion are now embedded in procurement decisions, with commitments to: 

  • Support net zero emissions by 2050 
  • Increase engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses 
  • Grow participation from social enterprises and diverse suppliers 

Key targets include: 

  • At least 3% of procurement by value from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses 
  • Increased contracts with social enterprises

Supplier takeaway: Strong ESG performance and social impact are now a competitive advantage. 

 

 

What’s changing in the Queensland Procurement Rules? 

The new Queensland Procurement Rules translate these pillars into day to day practice. 

Core principles 

All procurement must: 

  • Achieve value for money 
  • Act ethically and with integrity 
  • Encourage collaboration 
  • Support strong governance and planning

Purposeful public procurement 

For significant procurements, agencies must apply evaluation criteria (10–20% weighting) linked to outcomes such as: 

  • Local and regional benefits 
  • SME and Indigenous business participation 
  • Environmental outcomes 
  • Apprenticeships and inclusive employment

Supplier takeaway: You’ll need to quantify and evidence local, social and environmental benefits in your tender responses. 

 

Procurement Assurance Model (PAM) 

From 2027, the Procurement Assurance Model introduces: 

  • A voluntary accreditation and incentive scheme 
  • Centralised ethical compliance checks  
  • Capability building and support for suppliers 
  • Stronger accountability for breaches of the Supplier Code of Conduct 

Suppliers who fail to meet requirements may face sanctions, including suspension. 

 

Data, Transparency and Reporting 

QPP 2026 is supported by a new reporting framework, including: 

Supplier takeaway: Government spending will be more transparent and data driven, leading to more predictable procurement pipelines. 

 

How Queensland Suppliers Should Prepare for the Changes 

 

Final Thoughts 

Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 marks a move toward more purposeful, data informed and outcome driven procurement across government. Businesses that invest early in governance, sustainability and ethical practices will be best positioned to take advantage of the growing opportunities this policy is designed to unlock.