As we head into 2026, Australia’s procurement environment is shifting in ways that matter for every supplier. The Tender Market Insights 2025 Report shows that while national tender volumes have softened from the stimulus-driven highs of previous years, the picture varies significantly by state. Some regions are consolidating, others are expanding, and several are undergoing major procurement reforms that will influence how businesses win work in the year ahead.
Here’s a clear, state-by-state breakdown of tender activity and what Australian businesses should focus on going into 2026.
Skip to your state:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania, Northern Territory & Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW is moving into a phase of stabilisation after a decade defined by heavy infrastructure investment. Procurement activity remains strong, but agencies are now prioritising value-for-money outcomes, long-term efficiency, and budget discipline.
NSW Focus Areas for 2026
- Strengthen value-for-money arguments with measurable outcomes
- Build local government relationships as councils remain highly active
- Focus sectors: transport infrastructure, construction & maintenance, health, community projects.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria continues to offer high-quality opportunities, though overall volume has moderated due to budget tightening and sector reforms. The state’s procurement landscape is heavily focused on sustainability, compliance, and innovation.
VIC Focus Areas for 2026
- Clearly demonstrate sustainability, ESG credentials and social value
- Prepare for more panel-based procurement
- Focus sectors: infrastructure, community services, energy, digital transformation
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland stands out as one of the most stable procuring states, supported by long-term capital works and continued preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Opportunities remain consistent across construction, engineering, logistics and community infrastructure.
Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026)
From 1 January 2026, the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026) will introduce major changes to how the state purchases goods and services. The policy strengthens opportunities for local, regional, small and Indigenous-owned businesses while placing greater weight on ethical practices, sustainability, and social value.
For Queensland suppliers, this shift is important. It changes what government buyers prioritise and how suppliers are evaluated. Businesses that clearly demonstrate local capability, responsible operations, and innovation will be better positioned to compete under the new framework.
QLD Focus Areas for 2026
- Align your services with the Olympics infrastructure pipeline
- Position early: many projects shortlist suppliers years in advance
- Join state and local government panels for recurring work
- Focus sectors: construction, logistics, engineering, ICT
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia’s procurement environment continues to operate under the $250,000 public tender advertising threshold, a change that has now been in place for several years. As a result, many lower-value contracts are no longer released as open, publicly advertised tenders. Instead, a large proportion of government work is sourced through standing panels, CUA’s, prequalified supplier lists, invited quotations and direct engagement. For suppliers, this means that while fewer small tenders may appear on public portals, procurement activity across WA remains strong.
WA Focus Areas for 2026
- Prioritise joining the right state and local panels
- Strengthen your local footprint: WA strongly favours local capability
- Focus sectors: mining services, transport infrastructure, regional projects, maintenance
South Australia (SA)
Following system and process changes in recent years, SA is showing signs of recovery and renewed procurement activity. Local government remains one of the most active issuer groups across the state.
SA Focus Areas for 2026
- Build long-term trust with SA councils and agencies
- Position yourself for community infrastructure and maintenance projects
- Focus sectors: defence-adjacent industries, community projects, asset management
Tasmania, Northern Territory & Australian Capital Territory
While smaller in tender volume, these jurisdictions present steady opportunities, particularly in construction, environment, community services, and ICT. Local content requirements remain strong across all three jurisdictions.
Focus Areas for 2026
- Strengthen local content through partnerships with regional suppliers
- Be ready to mobilise quickly: smaller agencies value responsiveness
- Focus sectors: community infrastructure, government ICT, environmental works
National Trends Heading Into 2026
Regardless of location, several themes will shape the new year:
Lower volumes, higher competition: Tender volumes are down compared to FY21–22 peaks, meaning quality and precision matter more.
Local government remains the highest-volume issuer: Across every state and territory, councils continue releasing the most opportunities.
Panels and prequalification are increasingly essential: More contracts, especially in VIC, WA and QLD, begin with an invitation-only panel.
Sustainability and social value continue to rise: Expect ESG, Indigenous participation, and social enterprise credentials to play a larger role.
Explore the full Tender Market Insights 2025 Report for detailed state data, key trends, and buyer insights across Australia.
