GOVERNMENT'S NEW BUY QUEENSLAND INITIATIVE AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST

THE QUEENSLAND Government has announced its latest plan to support Queensland-based businesses through the new 'Buy Queensland' initiative.

The new plan, which will prioritise Queensland goods and services, will apply across all agencies, statutory bodies, and government owned corporations.

The Queensland cabinet has agreed, in an Australian first, that the state government will no longer be constrained or bound by free trade agreements that have seen jobs go off-shore or interstate.

Premier Palaszczuk says the program is all about keeping taxpayer dollars within Queensland for its citizens.

"Value for money means a lot more than choosing the cheapest price, especially when it comes to allocating taxpayers' dollars," says the Premier.

"The value of a dollar spent can be greatly increased if it is spent where it's earned right here in Queensland."

From 1 September 2017, the new procurement policy of the Queensland Government will define a "local supplier" as a business that maintains a workforce within a 125km radius of where the goods or workers are needed.

The Premier has insisted that Queensland needs to go it alone to ensure jobs stay in the state.

"We are going out own way," says the Premier.

"We will ignore restrictions that go against our interests."

The Premier shut down the idea that the current Australia-New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement supports Queenslanders, which defines "local" as anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

"Suggesting to a Queensland taxpayer that funding a job in Christchurch is the same as funding one in Cairns is patently ridiculous," says the Premier.

"We know some Queenslanders are doing it touch, especially in the regions. That's why we need to keep looking for new ways to strengthen and grow Queensland jobs and our state's economy."

Business News Australia