Awards to showcase businesses putting Queenslanders first

The spotlight will shine on local businesses putting Queensland jobs first when supplying to government with the return of the Buy Queensland Awards this year.

Procurement Minister Mick de Brenni said nominations were now open to acknowledge Queensland-based operators for their roles in creating jobs and boosting the state’s economic recovery.

Supporting Queensland businesses is a key part of the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, Mr de Brenni said.

“Since we introduced the Palaszczuk Government’s procurement approach in 2017, more than 55,300 Queensland-registered businesses have supplied goods and services worth around $33 billion to the State Government,” Mr de Brenni said.

“That’s a tremendous boost to Queensland businesses.

“The Buy Queensland Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate all those businesses who not only reap the benefits of our procurement targets, but also share our passion for buying local and supporting local jobs.

“Businesses will be able to nominate in three categories and I will also be awarding a Minister’s Buy Queensland Award to recognise one company that has gone above and beyond in contributing to Queensland.”

The three categories are:

• Putting Queenslanders First: For businesses that have achieved outstanding local benefits by creating quality jobs for Queenslanders and supporting the local community when supplying directly to the Queensland Government
• Diversity through Procurement: For businesses that have demonstrated support for social outcomes and enhancing the lives of Queenslanders through their supply chains and other sourcing activities.
• Delivering for Queensland: For businesses that have delivered outstanding outcomes for the community through innovation, disaster response and/or environmental initiatives.

Mr de Brenni said this year there will be a supplier recognition program as a lead-up to the awards ceremony.

“Queensland-registered businesses that have supplied to the State Government at any time since September 2017 are eligible to enter,” he said.

For more information on the awards, including full eligibility criteria and nomination form: https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/strategy/buy-qld/engage/buy-queensland-supplier-awards

For more information on Buy Queensland: https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/strategy/buy-qld/about

For more information on the Queensland Government Procurement Policy: https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/procurement-policy

 ENDS

Media contact:                    Dan Knowles  0432 681 664