In a significant move to support its election commitments, the Queensland Government has announced the temporary suspension of Best Practice Industrial Relations Principles (BPICs) for new government-funded infrastructure projects. This decision aligns with the plan to re-establish the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) by the end of 2024, which will undertake a review of the Queensland building industry as its first major task in 2025.
Key Announcement
On 14 November 2024, the Queensland Government confirmed the temporary suspension of BPICs while the QPC review is underway. This suspension applies to all new projects and opens opportunities for suppliers to engage with government-funded infrastructure initiatives.
The Best Practice Industrial Relations Principle, which enabled BPICs, has been temporarily removed from the Queensland Procurement Policy (QPP) pending the completion of the QPC review and the government’s response. However, this suspension is not retrospective, meaning contracts already in place with BPICs will continue to be governed by those principles.
Importantly, other Best Practice Principles (BPPs) related to workplace health and safety, as well as commitments to apprentices and trainees, remain active and are not affected by this suspension.
What’s Changing?
The suspension applies to:
- All new government construction projects
- Projects that have not yet reached the procurement stage
- Projects in procurement where future stages are not finalised or do not have an approved Enterprise Agreement or industrial instrument, subject to feasibility.
The changes impact various sectors, including:
- Building Construction and Maintenance (BCM): Projects such as Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, and hospital developments
- Transport and Infrastructure Services (TIS): Road, rail, and water construction projects
- Renewable Energy projects
For suppliers, this means:
- Managing contractors no longer need BPIC compliance but must remain prequalified to work on BPP major projects.
- Subcontractors do not require prequalification for new or existing BPP major projects.
Opportunities for Suppliers
The suspension provides potential for streamlined procurement processes and expanded opportunities for businesses looking to tender for government contracts. Successful suppliers must still demonstrate:
- Robust workplace health and safety systems and standards
- Strong commitment to apprenticeships and training
- Effective project management capabilities
- Cost-effective delivery methods.
What’s Next?
The Queensland Government is committed to completing the QPC review of the building industry swiftly. Decisions on the permanent status of BPICs will follow the QPC’s findings and subsequent government response.
Suppliers are encouraged to:
- Monitor QTenders or visit Supply Queensland for new opportunities.
- Maintain compliance with active workplace health and safety and apprenticeship principles.
- Prepare for potential participation in the QPC building industry review.
- Evaluate how their business can contribute to Queensland’s productivity and infrastructure goals.
For updates, visit the BPIC Suspension Information Page.
More Information
To learn more about the temporary suspension and related government procurement strategies, explore these resources:
Stay informed and take advantage of emerging opportunities as the Queensland Government works towards a more productive and streamlined building industry.
