Supplier directory serves up the best deal for Queenslanders

Whether it’s beef from Rockhampton, olives from Toowoomba, or craft beer from Brisbane there will soon be more on offer at Queensland Government events with the launch of the ‘Buy Queensland First Food and Beverage Directory’ today.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that the Palaszczuk Government was ‘putting its money where is its mouth is’ by setting up a Queensland food, beverage and catering supplier directory for government departments.

“When we’re showcasing Queensland to the rest of the world, we want to make sure Queensland grown and manufactured food and beverage is front and centre,” Mr de Brenni said.

Establishing this directory means that  next time you’re at a Queensland Government function you’ll be eating and drinking more Queensland produce thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland First strategy.”

“The Queensland Government unashamedly gives preference to Queensland businesses in its dealings through our Buy Queensland first initiative.

”Our Buy Queensland policy aims to ensure that wherever possible, every dollar that the government spends is backing Queensland jobs.

“More local food and drink on Queensland tables means more jobs for Queenslanders, especially in the regions,” he said.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said registering for the directory was a simple process and would reward businesses which had a firm Queensland focus, boosting employment throughout the state.

“Last year the Palaszczuk Government announced it was flipping procurement on its head to prioritise Queenslanders for jobs in our state, one year on we are extending that to support local food and beverage businesses,” Mr Furner said.

“I’m calling on all Queensland-based producers to sign up today be included in the Buy Queensland First Food and Beverage Directory, whether you’re a grower, manufacturer or brewer.

“Our new Food and Beverage Supplier Directory, which will go live next year, will ensure government agencies and organisations acting on their behalf approach suppliers listed on the directory to seek quotes for individual events and corporate functions.

 To be listed in the directory, suppliers must complete an online application process at www.qld.gov.au/buyqueensland showing they usually grow, make or produce the majority of their goods in Queensland.

“Suppliers will also need to demonstrate their workforce is drawn from Queensland.”

Minister de Brenni said the directory had multiple categories and suppliers can nominate which ones apply to their business.

“If approved, they can promote their products as either ‘Grown in Queensland’, ‘Made in Queensland’ or ‘Produced in Queensland’,” he said.

An industry Advisory Group ratifies registrations on the directory, and the Queensland Procurement Policy Compliance Unit will conduct random audits of suppliers, as well as investigate complaints.

ENDS

20 November 2018

Media contact Minister de Brenni: Rosie Gilbert 0466 834 330