Cut price Tim sells out Queensland businesses

1334 days after Tim Nicholls first announced he’d secured “half price” trains from India the LNP has released a procurement policy that will force Queensland businesses to compete with cut price overseas operators.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said Tim Nicholls is all at sea when it comes to the Palaszczuk Government’s landmark Buy Queensland Policy.

“Two weeks ago Tim Nicholls and the LNP voted against our historic Buy Queensland Policy in Parliament,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Today, 1334 days after he celebrated buying cut price trains from India that didn’t work, he has released a policy that will force Queensland businesses to compete on price with companies in places like China, the Philippines and India.

“Once again, the LNP are out showing that they can’t be trusted.

“This is a sham policy that betrays the local businesses who are the backbone of their community.

“Tim Nicholls dodgy price matching policy shows that the only thing the LNP cares about is the lowest price irrespective of quality. Our approach is about making sure real value is delivered to local communities.

“Our Buy Queensland policy gives a preference to local businesses, so that when Queenslanders taxpayer dollars are invested we are making sure local communities get the most value out of every dollar.

“Hundreds of local businesses have been flocking to our Buy Queensland information sessions to find out how they can benefit from our policy that delivers real, local outcomes for communities.

“Every small business I’ve spoken to has welcomed our real commitment to delivering local work and local jobs, which is why the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has described our policy as a ‘real shot in the arm for Queensland small business.

“All that Tim Nicholls has ever cared about is cutting, slashing and selling and this announcement shows his true colours.”

Buy Queensland

From 1 September, 2017, the government’s new procurement policy defines a “local supplier” as a business that maintains a workforce within a 125 kilometre radius of where the goods or workers are needed.

If you are a local supplier, the government will apply a local weighting of up to 30% on any tender you lodge for a significant procurement.

The policy also:

• Applies across Government including GOCs.
• Is overseen by a special compliance unit to ensure implementation.
• Requires at least one local or regional supplier, and one other Queensland based business, to be invited to quote or tender for every procurement opportunity offered which is relevant to the kind of goods and services they produce.
• Requires the use of local contractors and manufacturers in significant Queensland Government infrastructure projects, worth $100 million and above, wherever possible.
• Significant projects will be required, where possible, to expend 15% on apprenticeships – up from the current 10%.
• Deliver a more visible pipeline of opportunities for every Queensland business.
• Reduce complexity to assist Queensland industry prepare for government tenders, and provide resources to help them tender.
• Exempt business from the pre-qualification system for building contracts and Information and Communication Technologies projects under $1 million.

Businesses tendering for government procurement contracts will need to have a permanent workforce in Queensland.  They will need to offer fair wages, conditions and superannuation, and have good workplace health and safety records.

ENDS

Media Contact: Tristan Douglas 0447 164 197