CCIQ seeks a target to do business with business

THE Queensland Government has committed to establishing domestic procurement targets focussed on enhancing opportunities for small and local businesses, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).

CCIQ  has been calling for a procurement policy, including setting a small business target.

CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy, Amanda Rohan, said the announcement would give businesses some confidence in securing government contracts.

“Queensland is rich with diverse and capable small businesses. However, there are barriers when competing for government contracts,” Ms Rohan said.

“Today’s announcement is a positive first step in removing some of those barriers, and shows the government is serious about doing business with SMEs.

“We welcome the reduced payment terms, however would like to see this lowered more significantly. Many businesses are restricted due to cashflow and tighter payment terms will alleviate that pressure.

“We have been calling for a procurement framework for some time, but it is now more essential than ever," Ms Rohan said.

“Putting policies in place to support and enable businesses to succeed is crucial and needed to see economic growth and job stability around the state,” she said.

In February, CCIQ wrote to all Queensland MPs outlining the need for a procurement framework and asked for their commitment to working with the business sector in creating one.

CCIQ’s procurement framework includes:

• Setting up an open procurement platform across all government agencies;
• Breaking up government tenders to smaller components so small businesses have more opportunities to supply goods and services;
• Simplifying government tender documents and assessments criteria;
• Implementing payment terms of 5 business days for small suppliers.

The Labor, LNP, Katter and Greens parties all responded with agreement and commitment on working towards this framework.

www.cciq.com.au

ends