A future Tim Nicholls-led Liberal National Party Government will introduce a “Buy Local” government procurement policy which puts Queensland jobs, businesses and taxpayers first.
LNP Shadow Housing and Public Works Minister Stephen Bennett, LNP Rockhampton candidate Douglas Rodgers and LNP Keppel candidate Peter Blundell visited Rockhampton hose and fitting specialists Norosco today to discuss the benefits of the Buy Local policy.
“The LNP wants to see more jobs created in Central Queensland and our Buy Local policy will deliver just that.
“On Government projects under $100 million, whether that’s desks for a school or building a new road, we will give only true Queensland firms a price match guarantee.
“If a local business that’s headquartered in Queensland matches the lowest bid – they’ll get the job.
“We’ll go even further for smaller projects under $15 million. Locally-headquartered businesses will be given the first chance to price match and win work.
“For example, if the government project is in Rockhampton, Rockhampton-based businesses employing locals will get first chance to price match.
“That’s the LNP’s Buy Local attitude – putting Queensland jobs, businesses and taxpayers first.”
LNP Rockhampton candidate Douglas Rodgers said the policy differences between the LNP and Labor could not be clearer – we are for local jobs.
“Unlike Annastasia Palaszczuk’s unworkable ‘Buy Queensland’ policy, we won’t allow blow-ins from interstate and overseas to take advantage by simply having a workforce in Queensland,” Mr Rodgers said.
“Labor’s ill-conceived policy also jeopardises the jobs of thousands of Queenslanders who rely on our $68 billion trade industry – and could potentially cost taxpayers millions.
“The LNP won’t stand by and watch Queenslanders jobs be put in danger by an inexperienced Annastacia Palaszczuk. Her thought bubble doesn’t favour Queensland firms, taxpayers or create jobs, in fact it puts them at risk.”
LNP candidate for Keppel Peter Blundell said under the Buy Local policy a goods and services procurement index would be created and targets set for local purchasing.
“There are some great family-owned and operated local businesses that deserve to have a fair crack at government businesses and the LNP’s Buy Local policy will give them that opportunity,” Mr Blundell said.
“Unlike Labor, our policy will set targets and test whether they’re being achieved – no point having a plan if its success isn’t monitored.
“The LNP will also require a local content plan for major projects over $100 million so local contractors get a fair go on every Government project.”
To learn more visit – betterqueensland.org.au
Monday, 24 September, 2017