Make a procurement complaint

Suppliers, members of the public and procuring agencies have the right to make a complaint about any Queensland Government procurement process

The government is committed to working with suppliers that honour their contract commitments, uphold high standards and create value for Queenslanders. The Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct (the Code) sets out the Queensland Government's ethical standards and expectations of suppliers under the Queensland Procurement Policy (QPP).

What to make a complaint about

Complaints about government suppliers

The Code establishes the standard of behaviour required of all suppliers under contract with the Queensland Government. Complaints must relate to a supplier engaged on a Queensland Government project.

The Assurance and Investigation Unit (AIU) of the Procurement Assurance Branch investigates allegations of unmet commitments to the Code, submitted by procuring agencies, members of the public, stakeholder groups, supplier employees or subcontractors.

Common sources of complaints include, but are not limited to:

  • not disclosing conflicts of interests (actual, perceived or potential) that could influence tender outcomes
  • underpaying or failing to pay the superannuation guarantee for eligible employees
  • attempting to influence the tender process by offering gifts or benefits to government staff
  • neglecting workplace safety by failing to review hazards or provide appropriate staff training.

How to make a complaint

To report a supplier for engaging in behaviour that you suspect is inconsistent with the Code, contact the AIU directly:

When submitting a complaint to the AIU, include:

  • the referring procuring agency or complainant (and whether anonymity is requested)
  • the government project and/or contract the supplier is engaged under
  • the supplier's conduct at the source of the complaint
  • and
  • any evidence in support of the complaint.

Anonymous complaints can only be investigated where sufficient, verifiable evidence of supplier behaviour is available.

Timeframes and investigation

The AIU aims to acknowledge receipt of a complaint within 3 business days and will assess the details alongside any evidence provided. Where further information is needed, an investigation officer will contact the complainant. All investigation outcomes are communicated to the complainant and/or the relevant procuring agency when possible and appropriate.

Confidentiality

Complaints are managed confidentially and respectfully for both the complainant and the respondent. The AIU takes all reasonable steps to protect information from loss, unauthorised access and misuse.

In some situations, due to statutory and procedural fairness obligations, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and information may be shared with third parties, such as regulators, in line with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the Queensland Government's privacy statement.

Complaints about government procurement and other QPP-related complaints

The options outlined below apply to all other government procurement and QPP-related complaints, including complaints about:

  • agency behaviour
  • agency decisions (e.g. not buying local, tender process or outcomes)
  • non-compliance with aspects of the QPP.

How to make a complaint

Option 1: Raise your concerns with the procuring agency
  • In the first instance, all complaints should be made to the procuring agency responsible for the procurement process.
  • Refer to the procurement documents for the contact details of the procurement or complaints officer. Complaints will be managed according to the agency's complaint management policy.
  • If contact details are not provided, visit the agency's website and check the “Contact Us” section.
  • For complaints about an unsuccessful offer, you must first request feedback from the agency that managed the relevant procurement.
Option 2: Submit a complaint via the government complaints process

Suppliers and members of the public can also submit a complaint through the dedicated whole of government complaints process webpage.

Complaints can be submitted by:

Complaints and concerns about the ethical behaviour of a government supplier cannot be submitted using any of the methods listed on the government's complaints process webpage. For more information, refer to complaints about the ethical conduct of government suppliers above.

Option 3: Pursue further options

Depending on your situation, if you still have concerns after taking these steps, then consider contacting: