Queensland will be centre stage alongside elite international athletes in 2032 hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brisbane 2032).

This represents Queensland’s greatest single economic opportunity; an opportunity that puts the entire state on the global stage. Being ‘match-fit’ for suppliers means access to the Queensland Government’s $20 billion investment in goods and services annually. Given that this will be boosted by the ‘Big Build’, a record-breaking four-year $89 billion capital program, this provides substantial existing opportunities for Queensland businesses, including in the regions. In 2023/24, a record 65.5 per cent ($13.3 billion) of this capital investment will be made outside greater Brisbane. These existing procurement opportunities provide a huge playing field before, after and alongside the 2032 Games.
 
The procurement strategy can be downloaded at:
https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/404030/Q2032-procurement-strategy.pdf

To review Forward Procurement Schedules, Tenders and Awarded Contracts:
https://qtenders.epw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/

Buy Queensland

The Queensland government obviously will use the Games as an opportunity to showcase Queensland and will be supporting our regions through procurement opportunities and participation in supply chains and support local suppliers, using their successful ’Buy Queensland’ approach to procurement, launched in 2017. This approach has changed the way government buys goods and services and has shifted the emphasis in favour of Queenslanders to ensure that every dollar government invests supports as many local jobs and businesses as possible.

The organising committee responsible for Brisbane 2032, along with other agencies, will ensure goods and services are procured in line with the Queensland Government’s sustainability focus, in accordance with the Queensland Procurement Policy, so it is important to understand, embrace and implement these now. These procurement rules focus on getting value for money, including broader social and environmental value, as well as good economic outcomes for local Queensland businesses, suppliers and workers.

Be a Part of ‘Team Queensland’

The strategy being implemented now shows Queensland businesses the future game plan – helping them to get ready, set and go and be part of what the State Government is calling ‘Team Queensland’. ‘Team Queensland’ is all of us getting behind the Games to maximise opportunities for all of Queensland. This could include being part of the ‘Big Build’, becoming a supplier to agencies involved in the Games preparations, including the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and to the yet bigger world of Queensland Government procurement.

Easier Tenders

To help businesses access tenders at a local, national and international level, the Qld Government will create a new, easier-to-use QTenders platform to connect businesses with broader Queensland Government opportunities. Roadshows in key centres across Queensland will also be delivered to provide information and advice and link with local chambers of commerce and other business bodies. The government has also launched Q2032 procurement opportunities and updates platform and encourage businesses to sign up today to received tailored information and encourage collaboration across supply chains to build capacity.

The tender platform can be accessed at: 
qtenders.epw.qld.gov.au

Visit Q2032 and register for business opportunities and procurement updates to discover the opportunities for business and industry at:
https://q2032.au/plans/business-opportunities

How to Qualify

Businesses wanting to become part of Team Queensland need to look at the key elements of ‘Buy Queensland’ and get ready to ensure their business are supporting these outcomes:-

Local

Games procurement will apply a local benefits approach. This is about supporting Team Queensland, our local businesses and the local workforce. It means that for:

• low-value and low-risk procurement, at least one local supplier will be invited wherever possible

• high-value and/or high-risk procurement, the Local Benefits Test will be applied, with an evaluation weighting of between 10 to 30 per cent.

Sustainable

To supply to Brisbane 2032, your business must take action now to become more sustainable, and in so doing increase your profitability, capitalise on future opportunities, and become more resilient. This means signing up to ecoBiz, a free program for small and medium-sized businesses. The program provides personal coaching, site surveys, training and tools to help improve resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and lower operating costs. In addition, assessing and managing the exposure of your business to climate change risks by using the climate change risk management tool for small businesses in Queensland. Further, investigating new business growth opportunities in a low carbon future. You will also need to set your own emissions reduction target and developing an emissions reduction plan as well as investigate renewable energy options.

Ethical

In the Games procurement, it is clear the State Government will only want to do business with suppliers that play by the rules. To help suppliers demonstrate that they are ethical , any invitation and contract documentation will set out the expectations. You will be asked to agree to the:
• Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct, including addressing modern slavery risks in vulnerable industries;
• Ethical Supplier Mandate and Ethical Supplier Threshold, including requiring fair wages for people with disability;
• animal care and protection legislation and related requirements as applicable to suppliers of food and beverages to government. This will level the playing field for Team Queensland suppliers — those that comply with our ethical, social and environmental expectations.

Diverse

Team Queensland will include a diverse range of businesses, strengthening our skills and performance. To build this winning team, Games procurement will use flexible techniques where appropriate, such as ‘set-asides’, early market engagement, outcome-based specifications, and trials and/or pilots. This will be done by identifying certain Games contracts where a competitive pool will be drawn from supplier groups like:
• small and medium enterprises
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses
• social enterprises
• women-owned and/or women-led businesses
• businesses owned or operated by people with disability
• culturally and linguistically diverse suppliers.

What actions to take:

Opportunities to supply to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will progressively become available, with more opportunities becoming available as 2032 approaches.

Businesses interested in the ‘Big Build’ and supplying should prepare and get match-fit, to make sure they are ready to supply when the time comes. It’s important to consider other opportunities to supply to government in the interim. Pursuing these opportunities may help better position your business for 2032, but it is also important to note that the Queensland Government spends approximately $20 billion each year on goods and services – that’s more than $180 billion worth of government procurement over the next nine years, in addition to the Games spend. So, while keeping your eyes on the finishing line, think about these ongoing opportunities too.

1.     As a starting point, businesses are strongly encouraged to review information on ‘Supply to Queensland Government’ available from the Business Queensland website. This provides access to a large range of resources to help get ready, along with the ability to register for Buy Queensland updates;

2.     Register for QTenders, the Queensland Government’s single tendering website, at qtenders.epw.qld.gov.au. Here you can see current open tenders, and also set up your profile to receive notifications as relevant opportunities become available;

3.     View the Forward Procurement Pipeline for suppliers (qtenders.epw.qld.gov.au/fpp). This website provides details on Queensland Government’s future procurement opportunities and allows you to search and filter opportunities by region, category, government agency and estimated dollar value;

4.     Check for local government procurement opportunities at LocalBuy, and Australian Government opportunities at Austender;

5.     Participate in business information sessions for advice and assistance on tendering for government (search ‘events’ at business.qld.gov.au);

6.     Develop a business capability statement that describes your value proposition by outlining the technical skills, competencies and experience that positions your business above others;

7.     Strengthen your business networks by participating in industry networking events to promote your business and build new partnerships;

8.     Take the State Government’s 'Fit to supply' quiz to help you find out if your business is ready to develop and deliver tender contracts to the Queensland Government (business.qld.gov.au). As we move towards 2032, the Queensland Government will be introducing more initiatives to help businesses get set to make the most of the opportunity;

9.     Sign up for the free ecoBiz program to help Queensland small to medium enterprises find the best ways to reduce the cost of running their business, with the bonus of reducing impacts on the environment. It provides steps to improve sustainability and save money, by saving energy, saving water, reducing waste, and changing behaviours. Since 2013, Business Chamber Queensland has delivered the ecoBiz program on behalf of the Queensland Government making a unique contribution to ecoBiz based on its extensive reach, industry connections and ability to provide practical and trusted solutions through a network of sustainability experts. Register now at ecobiz.businesschamberqld.com.au

The next nine years will be interesting to watch in construction. I wish you every luck in winning tenders and of course, if you need excellent staff or to expand your team – whether that is permanent placement or labour hire, you know the best in Brisbane is available at SiteForce Recruitment.

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Chantal Penny is the Director with Superpowers of SiteForce Recruitment. A thought leader in the industry, Chantal, based on her expertise and industry perspective, offers unique guidance, inspiration, and influence in the industry. Chantal Penny is also a thought leader in the industry with her Podcast, Talent Instinct, which is available at:
https://talentinstinctpodcast.libsyn.com/site

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