Queensland Procurement Policy 2026

What it really means for business (and how to get ahead of the ESG wave)

Every few years, government procurement gets a shake-up. Sometimes it’s a light dusting. Sometimes it’s a full remodel.
The Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026) is somewhere in between, not a demolition job, but definitely more than a lick of paint.

And because the Queensland Government spends over $35 billion a year buying goods and services, these shifts matter. A lot.

So I’ve taken the time to read the entire policy (yes… all of it), and here’s the simple, no-nonsense breakdown of what’s good, what’s missing, and what your business needs to do to be ready, especially when it comes to ESG.

And yes, this will actually be easy to follow. Promise.

The Big Picture: Why QPP 2026 matters

Government procurement is moving away from the old “tick every box then hope for the best” model, and into something more modern:

• more outcomes-focused

• more ethical

• more transparent

• more supportive of local suppliers

• and, whether they say it explicitly or not, more ESG-driven

This is good news if you’re prepared. It’s bad news if you’re not.

The Good Stuff the Policy Gets Right

1. Procurement is finally being simplified

This alone deserves a slow clap. The policy promises:

• clearer processes

• fewer hoops

• consistent documentation

• simpler tendering

• a single hub for procurement info

For small–medium businesses who usually need a PhD to read government PDFs, this is a win.

2. A genuine focus on local and diverse suppliers

The “Local Benefits Test” is still in play… and stronger.
Indigenous businesses, regional suppliers, and family-owned firms are getting a louder seat at the table.

If you’re genuinely local, this helps. If you’ve been pretending to be local… well, good luck.

3. Stronger guardrails for ethical supply chains

This is big. The policy is leaning heavily toward:

• modern slavery prevention

• subcontractor transparency

• ethical sourcing

• cyber security in supply chains

• governance maturity

And with the new Procurement Assurance Model (PAM) landing in 2027, the expectation is clear: “Show us proof that your supply chain isn’t dodgy.”

4. Encouraging innovation (finally!)

Outcome-based procurement, innovation partnerships, flexible delivery models, the government is openly asking suppliers to be creative, not just compliant.

If your business is genuinely good at solving problems, this is your time.

The Gaps and Grey Areas (AKA: Reality Check)

1. ESG is everywhere… but still vague

The policy talks about “environmental, social and governance impacts,” but it doesn’t tell you:

• how to measure them

• what the minimum standard is

• which frameworks to follow

• what agencies will prioritise

This means ESG expectations will vary between departments — and inconsistency always creates risk.

2. Supply chain requirements will surprise most businesses

Even though the requirements are sensible, many companies simply aren’t ready to:

• screen subcontractors

• check for modern slavery risk

• assess cyber posture

• document governance

• provide transparent reporting

SMEs in particular will feel the pinch.

3. Outcome-based contracting isn’t easy

It sounds great on paper. But it requires:

• confidence

• data

• the ability to quantify your value

• and the maturity to deliver flexibly

A lot of businesses haven’t built that muscle yet.

The Emerging ESG Requirements (The Part You Really Need to Pay Attention To)

Even though QPP 2026 doesn’t spell it out line-by-line, the direction is obvious: To win government work in Queensland, you need credible ESG capability.

Here’s what agencies will expect — whether they write it in the tender or not:

1. Environmental Responsibility

• baseline carbon footprint (even a simple one)

• waste reduction efforts

• resource efficiency

• emissions reporting

• climate risk awareness

2. Social Impact

• local jobs

• Indigenous procurement

• diverse suppliers

• fair workforce practices

• community benefit

3. Ethical Governance

• modern slavery processes

• subcontractor auditing

• cyber security controls

• alignment with the Supplier Code of Conduct

• transparent conflict-of-interest management

4. Supplier Transparency

A big theme. Agencies want information:

• fast

• accurate

• “just in time”

• and without hunting you down

If you’re the supplier who’s easy to work with and evidence-ready, you win.

So What Should QLD Businesses Actually Do Next?

Here’s the simple checklist:

✔ Build a short, sharp ESG framework

Not a thesis. A practical, believable story backed by a few hard facts.

✔ Get your supply chain governance sorted

A simple questionnaire, modern slavery register, and a risk matrix can take you from “unprepared” to “impressive” in under a month.

✔ Establish your carbon baseline

Even a basic Scope 1 & 2 footprint gives you a massive advantage.

✔ Prep for outcome-based procurement

Have case studies. Have data. Show you deliver real impact.

✔ Become the “low-friction supplier”

Government doesn’t want to chase you for information.
Be the person who sends it clean, clear and early.

How I Help (Without All the Corporate Nonsense)

This is the work I live in.
I help businesses get government-ready — fast — without drowning them in jargon or 200-page reports.

Here’s how I make the QPP shift easy for you:

Practical ESG, not overengineered ESG

A clean, simple framework your team can actually use.

Supply chain risk + modern slavery uplift

Tools, templates, and processes that pass government scrutiny.

Carbon basics done right

A pragmatic baseline and reduction plan tailored to your work.

Procurement positioning and tender support

Turning your capability into a compelling, outcome-driven value proposition.

Upskilling your people

Short, targeted coaching so the team feels confident responding to ESG and procurement requirements.

If you want your business to look mature, credible and ready when QPP 2026 fully kicks in — that’s exactly what I’m here for.

Final Word: This Is a Shift Worth Paying Attention To

QPP 2026 is a sign of where procurement is heading: more impact, more responsibility, more transparency.

The good news?
If you get ahead of it, you’re not just compliant — you’re competitive.

If you want me to take a look at your business’s readiness and give you a clear, sensible plan (no fluff, no fuss), just reach out.
Sometimes all you need is a calm head, a clear path… and maybe a cartoon version of yourself reading the policy.