QIBN Offers IBG as Solution for New QPP 2026 Targets

Introduction

The Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026), describing it as a pragmatic step toward growing Indigenous economic participation and offering QIBN’s Indigenous Business Gateway (IBG) as a ready-to-use Indigenous Business Directory tool for agencies to find verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers.

QPP 2026 will commence on 1 January 2026, setting out a whole-of-government approach to value, local opportunity and practical social impact through procurement.

Key Features

A key feature of QPP 2026 is a 3% Indigenous procurement spend target, supported by mandatory evaluation weightings in significant procurements. Agencies must apply a purposeful outcomes criterion (10–20%) that can explicitly reward offers increasing spend with Indigenous businesses or committing to Indigenous employment. Additional policy levers include set-aside options for diverse suppliers, flexible sourcing pathways, and commercial supports such as upfront payments for SMEs where appropriate.

The policy also clarifies eligibility requirements -recognising Indigenous-owned businesses, Indigenous not-for-profits and Queensland Indigenous local councils – and reinforces the expectation that suppliers be listed on recognised Indigenous business directories.

The Indigenous Business Gateway: A Practical, Target Delivery Tool

QIBN’s Indigenous Business Gateway (IBG) gives government buyers a single, practical place to discover and engage Indigenous suppliers. The platform supports market scans, shortlists and subcontracting pathways and aligns directly with QPP 2026’s emphasis on Indigenous business identification, recognised directories and transparent reporting.

What QPP 2026 Means and How QIBN Can Help

Clear target, real outcomes - A 3% by-value spend with Indigenous businesses and reporting to track progress.
Built-in weighting for impact - A required evaluation criterion in significant procurements can preference Indigenous spend outcomes.
Practical supplier diversity - A policy pillar to broaden the supplier base, explicitly including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
Immediate action - IBG enables buyers to quickly identify, engage and contract with Indigenous suppliers across categories and regions, consistent with the policy’s directory expectations.

Access the IBG Today

QIBN invites Queensland Government agencies, prime contractors and suppliers to access the IBG today to support procurement planning, tendering and subcontracting and to partner with QIBN on supplier engagement sessions that connect buyers with market-ready Indigenous businesses.

Quotes attributable to Shane Kennelly, QIBN Co-Chair

“The new policy puts results over red tape,” said Shane Kennelly, QIBN Co-Chairperson. “Government has drawn a clear line: create value for Queensland, open doors for local and diverse suppliers, and translate that intent into measurable outcomes. We’re ready to help agencies make that real by using the IBG to quickly identify Indigenous businesses across sectors and regions.”

Quotes attributable to Julie-ann Lambourne, QIBN Co-Chair and Acting Chief Executive Officer

“Agencies don’t need to start from scratch. Use IBG to search, verify and engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that are ready to deliver, so that the 3% target becomes more contracts, more jobs, and stronger communities.”

About QIBN

The Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) is the organisation advancing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Queensland. Through advocacy, capability support and the Indigenous Business Gateway (IBG), QIBN connects buyers with competitive Indigenous suppliers and helps turn policy commitments into economic outcomes.

Media Contact:

Bryanna Saylor-Zelayandia

QIBN Marketing and Communications Officer

marketing@qibn.com.au

0483 078 851