QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT BUYING GOES GREEN
Published Thursday, 24 January, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Queensland Government departments will be expected to buy greener as part of a new State Procurement Policy calling for sustainable and ethical purchasing.
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said today all government staff would be expected to “think green” when buying goods and services.
“In 2006-07 the Queensland Government spent $6 billion on supplies and services, and a further $4.5 billion on capital works, so the Government wields considerable influence as a major buyer,” Mr Schwarten said
“The new State Procurement Policy 2008 sets out to ensure this purchasing power is used to acquire goods that are more environmentally friendly,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said the new Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office, established after a major review of purchasing and logistics, was already leading the way in “green procurement”.
“A recent whole-of-Government arrangement for desktop computers, laptops and file servers called for energy-saving features in hardware, responsible recycling and disposal, and environmentally-conscious manufacturing,” he said.
“This is just one example of how agencies can contribute to a sustainable future for Queensland.”
Mr Schwarten said the new purchasing policy was yet another example of the State Government putting strategies in place to address climate change.
He said that in December State Cabinet ticked off on three major climate initiatives – an overhaul of the government car fleet, improved energy efficiency in government buildings and carbon offsetting of airline travel – that would reduce total carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 314,000 tonnes per year by 2017.
“The new State Procurement Policy will continue to ensure that local businesses are given opportunities to compete for government business,” he said.
“Agencies will be encouraged to look for opportunities to increase their spending even further in regional Queensland,” Mr Schwarten said.
“By getting the most out of every dollar we spend, and obtaining value for money, we’ll be able to provide even better services for the people of Queensland.”
To obtain a copy of the State Procurement Policy 2008 or view tenders, visit www.qgcpo.qld.gov.au
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said today all government staff would be expected to “think green” when buying goods and services.
“In 2006-07 the Queensland Government spent $6 billion on supplies and services, and a further $4.5 billion on capital works, so the Government wields considerable influence as a major buyer,” Mr Schwarten said
“The new State Procurement Policy 2008 sets out to ensure this purchasing power is used to acquire goods that are more environmentally friendly,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said the new Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office, established after a major review of purchasing and logistics, was already leading the way in “green procurement”.
“A recent whole-of-Government arrangement for desktop computers, laptops and file servers called for energy-saving features in hardware, responsible recycling and disposal, and environmentally-conscious manufacturing,” he said.
“This is just one example of how agencies can contribute to a sustainable future for Queensland.”
Mr Schwarten said the new purchasing policy was yet another example of the State Government putting strategies in place to address climate change.
He said that in December State Cabinet ticked off on three major climate initiatives – an overhaul of the government car fleet, improved energy efficiency in government buildings and carbon offsetting of airline travel – that would reduce total carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 314,000 tonnes per year by 2017.
“The new State Procurement Policy will continue to ensure that local businesses are given opportunities to compete for government business,” he said.
“Agencies will be encouraged to look for opportunities to increase their spending even further in regional Queensland,” Mr Schwarten said.
“By getting the most out of every dollar we spend, and obtaining value for money, we’ll be able to provide even better services for the people of Queensland.”
To obtain a copy of the State Procurement Policy 2008 or view tenders, visit www.qgcpo.qld.gov.au
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832