Queensland is entering one of the largest infrastructure investment periods in its history, and much of that work will flow through government procurement and major contractors.
From 1 January 2026, updated procurement settings and the Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct 2026 will shape how businesses qualify for and keep government work.
This guide explains what those changes mean in practice for Queensland suppliers and subcontractors. It highlights the new compliance expectations, how the focus on ethical behaviour and safety affects your tenders, and the steps you can take now to show buyers that your business is a low‑risk, high‑integrity choice.
Compliance first: WHS and ethics
In 2026, the main barrier to government work for many businesses will not be price, but non‑compliance. The Supplier Code of Conduct 2026 sets out expectations around workplace health and safety, labour practices, ethical behaviour, and how suppliers manage risks in their operations and supply chains.
On the ground, this means:
- Safety is embedded: Agencies and major contractors are expected to assess WHS systems and past performance, not just check for basic tickets.
- Ethical standards matter: Suppliers are expected to manage conflicts of interest, pay workers correctly, and demonstrate alignment with the government’s ethical supplier requirements.
Your business needs to be able to demonstrate compliance, through policies, documentation, and evidence—not just claim it.
The SME opportunity
The changes are also designed to create opportunities for smaller Queensland businesses. Government announcements emphasise a strong role for local and SME suppliers in upcoming work programs, including targets to increase the share of procurement spend going to SMEs and regional businesses.
For suppliers, this means that if your documentation, safety practices, and ethical standards are in order, you are better placed than ever to compete for suitable work packages. Shorter documents, clearer requirements, and more emphasis on value and capability can all work in your favour.
From compliance to visibility
Meeting the new standards is only half the job—you also need to be visible where buyers and major contractors look for suppliers. Officially, many government projects use tools like ICN Gateway to identify capable local businesses and gather capability information.
Practical next steps for your business:
- Create or update your free profile on ICN Gateway so your capabilities are visible to government buyers and head contractors.
- Prepare a “compliance pack” that summarises your WHS systems, insurance, licensing, and ethical policies so it is easy to attach to EOIs and tenders.
- Add or update your listing on independent industry directories like QLD2032.com so primes and project partners can quickly confirm your experience and local presence.
Positioning your business as both compliant and easy to engage with will help you stand out as Queensland’s infrastructure pipeline builds toward 2032 and beyond.