From the General Manager's desk | April 2026

Published on 09 April 2026

From the GMs desk_Glen Duff_news article

Article by Glen Duff, General Manager

Responding to volatile market conditions

Global fuel price instability is impacting councils, especially with recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East increasing uncertainty in pricing, availability, and logistics.

Local Buy responded by issuing sector guidance to council executives on procurement and contract management to address these challenges and exposure.

This targeted advice demonstrates Local Buy's commitment to supporting councils' sound decision-making amid challenging conditions.

Consistent to what we are hearing you need from us, Wwe’ll continue to provide sector-wide advisory to ensure that all councils are thoroughly informed and prepared to respond effectively to shocks and supply chain disruptions.

Investing in Connection, Partnership and Capability

As councils plan for the next financial year, there is increasing demand for sector-wide practical procurement support and engagement, especially with upcoming budget constraints and policy changes. In response to council feedback, we are refining our delivery model and investing in solutions, capability initiatives, and leadership. More information on these investments will be shared in the coming months.

Advancing Queensland Procurement at a Whole-of-Government Level

Building on the success of Local Buy’s Procurement Technology Program – now providing a common procurement technology platform to all 77 Queensland councils – work continues on the delivery and expansion of the Queensland Procurement Solution (QPS) which extends the same technology across state government. The program reinforces long term collaboration between local and state government and supports the streamlining, standardisation, and modernisation of public sector procurement across Queensland.

While each tier of government retains its own sector-level leadership, priorities, and procurement supply arrangements, the QPS demonstrates the value of working together on shared solutions. Importantly, this initiative is not just a technology rollout; it represents a broader shift toward more integrated, outcome focused procurement that improves planning, reduces administrative burden, and makes it easier for both buyers and local suppliers to engage with government.

Local Buy’s role in delivering this technology across both sectors reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing procurement practice in Queensland. Councils are encouraged to utilise our Arrangements, while suppliers benefit from becoming Local Buy pre qualified and actively engaging with buyers through the platform – streamlining operations, reducing contracting costs, and delivering better outcomes across the sector.

Celebrate with us at our Local Buy 25 Year ‘Legacy’ Conference

Twenty five years on, Local Buy continues to grow and remain relevant in a modern and evolving procurement environment. That achievement is worth celebrating.

The release of tickets for the upcoming Local Buy 25 Year ‘Legacy’ Conference on 5 August at the Sofitel Brisbane, marks an important milestone. The one-day event features guest speakers including Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Director of Community Affairs Dominique Lamb, and industry experts delivering panel discussions, workshops, learning and networking opportunities for procurement and fleet professionals. It also brings together councils, suppliers, and sector leaders to focus on practical procurement challenges, emerging risks, and future opportunities. It provides not only an opportunity to share insights, but also to build meaningful connections – across regions, roles, and sectors – that strengthen collective capability. More information is available on our website.

TICKETS OPEN NOW

Looking Forward

As we move further into 2026, several themes are emerging clearly:

Market volatility is likely to remain a feature rather than an exception, requiring agile procurement approaches and strong contractual discipline.
Policy reform and digital enablement will continue to reshape how procurement is planned, executed and governed across Queensland.
Councils of all sizes are increasingly seeking to leverage Local Buy, to access coordinated sector wide solutions and specialist expertise, with strong alignment with local government priorities – to support both strategic objectives and operational delivery.

We remain committed to supporting you as the sector continues to evolve, and as we navigate what comes next in global events and supply chain impacts.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at enquiry@localbuy.net.au.

All the best,

Glen Duff
General Manager