The Queensland Procurement Policy 2023 (QPP) is the state government’s overarching policy for the procurement of goods and services, with the intent of the local benefits test being to evaluate the benefits that any supplier would bring to the local area. An example of these policies in action is the decision of which quarry is used to obtain material for an infrastructure project on state-controlled roads.
Sandy has been advocating with the previous and the new government for reform of these policies due to clear flaws, identified by local stakeholders, including lack of public consultation, inclusion of whole of community impacts, among others. The policy appears to focus on benefits, however procurement choices can also cause and impose costs on local communities, such as having an inappropriate volume of heavy vehicles passing through, impacting amenity, infrastructure, wildlife and local businesses. These effects need to be captured in procurement assessments.
The following in italics is an excerpt from the latest response from the Queensland Minister for Public Works. In summary, a review is currently underway and the points, mentioned above, will be considered by the department.
The QPP is currently under review, and the Government is committed to collaborating with industry, chambers of commerce and community stakeholders to foster innovation and market-drive solutions to address challenges faced by the Government. Your suggestion to consider requirements surrounding public consultation and expand on consideration of impacts on community will be considered by the department for inclusion in the QPP review.
We have sent a follow up to the minister’s office asking them to advise further information including the timeline for the review, and with reference to community stakeholders, where feedback can be sent, from Noosa electorate stakeholders to feed into considerations.
We will continue to update as more information becomes available. If any Noosa electorate residents or organisations have any feedback on the above information, please email our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Further information
Direct advocacy regarding the QPP and local benefits test can be directed to the Queensland Minister for Public Works via housing@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
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