This policy provides a high level framework that will be underpinned by detailed guidance material, which will be developed in consultation with government agencies and private sector parties and which will be subject to continuing assessment and review.
The Queensland Government accepts that in creating effective and efficient infrastructure in Queensland that there is a role to be played by all sectors of the economy for the optimal delivery of infrastructure and services. The government is committed to securing the best value for money in its acquisition of infrastructure and services through the responsible use of both the public and private sector resources.
Significant private sector involvement in the provision of a public infrastructure need or service should be encouraged in infrastructure projects where it can be shown that the state will achieve better value for money through a relationship contract with the private sector for a project's delivery and/or service, compared with the option of delivering the project and/or service entirely at the public sector's cost and risk.
International evidence indicates that through an optimally developed relationship contract with the private sector the government can secure significant benefits through qualitative risk transfer to the private sector, and by harnessing private sector management skills, innovation and efficiencies, through a long term and output based contractual arrangement.
The infrastructure and service delivery methodology used to deliver a value for money outcome is based on the assessment of need, affordability and priority, and tested to ensure the public interest is fully protected.
Community input into the project development will be provided through appropriate planning mechanisms, and the government will protect the public interest through probity, transparency, and with effective conflict resolution and fair appeals processes.
Prior to an 'in principle' decision to seek private sector involvement in the provision of infrastructure or service, the government will prepare a full feasibility study, including benefit cost analysis of the proposed project. This feasibility study will also include a full assessment of the project's risk, and verifying the merit of the options for financing and delivering the project.
The policy guidance will provide a clear, transparent and accountable framework for undertaking the feasibility studies and the public tender process and procurement arrangements.