Brisbane Olympics an opportunity for government to lead social procurement

Australia hosting the Olympics in Brisbane and South-East Queensland in 2032 is a crucial opportunity for the Queensland Government to build an inclusive economy through social procurement.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said securing the Games was a coup for the nation. It also stands to be a significant opportunity to create lasting social impact across the state. Many social and sustainable benefits have been highlighted in the media releases and speeches from our federal, state and local leaders.

The Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) and Social Traders have been productively working with all levels of government in Queensland to help unleash the potential of social enterprise procurement across the state.

Social enterprises are an innovative breed of businesses that exist to create a fairer and more sustainable world. Social procurement is when a business or government chooses to buy goods and services from a social enterprise. Social procurement is crucial in creating a sustainable source of revenue for social enterprises to drive positive impact and community benefits. 

QSEC President, Richard Warner said: “Queensland Federal Minister Richard Colbeck indicated that this kind of major event creates an opportunity to ‘lock in’ sustainable social and economic benefits. His call for local businesses and companies to seek these opportunities should signal a real call to action for social enterprise in Queensland to make the 2032 games the ‘social impact games’ through social procurement.”

Social Traders Queensland Lead, Alex Hooke, said: “Now is the time to firm up social procurement policy and action in Queensland to support social enterprises to grow. More and stronger social enterprises will help build an inclusive Queensland economy and capitalise on this once in a generation opportunity of hosting the largest event on earth.”

Queensland Government and South East Queensland Councils could amplify positive impact through direct procurement with social enterprises as well as leveraging larger contractors to deliver enhanced social outcomes for the local community.  

Together QSEC and Social Traders are looking forward to continuing their strong relationships with the state and local governments in Queensland to make sure social enterprises are in a front row seat for the 2032 Olympic games.

Media contact: Elise Parups CEO QSEC

elise@qsec.org.au