Public-Private Partnership (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2024

Overview

This bill sought to create a comprehensive transparency framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) used to deliver major Queensland infrastructure projects worth $10 million or more. Motivated by Queensland Audit Office findings and the Coaldrake review, it would have required government agencies to publish value for money assessments, justify commercial-in-confidence claims, and submit to regular Auditor-General reviews. This bill lapsed at the end of the 57th Parliament and did not become law.

Who it affects

Queensland taxpayers would have gained much greater visibility into how public money is spent on PPP projects. Government agencies and private contractors would have faced stronger disclosure and reporting obligations.

Key changes

• Government agencies would have been required to assess and publicly report whether a PPP delivers better value for money than traditional public procurement
• PPP contract details would have been published on government websites, with commercial-in-confidence claims requiring written justification and time limits
• The Auditor-General would have reviewed all PPP projects at least every four years, with reports tabled in Parliament
• The Treasurer would have published annual statements on all PPP projects, including their projected impact on state debt over five years
• The Information Commissioner would have gained new powers to issue PPP disclosure guidelines and audit agency compliance