August 3, 2026

Queensland Government Suppliers: Is Your Cyber Security Ready for 2027?

If you are a current supplier to the Queensland Government, or are looking to become one, now is the time to review your cyber security posture.

As part of the Queensland Government's updated Supplier Code of Conduct and the implementation of the Procurement Assurance Model (PAM) incentive schemes from 1 January 2027, suppliers are being encouraged to strengthen their governance, risk management, and cyber security practices.

The Procurement Assurance Model has been established to help protect taxpayers' funds and uphold the integrity of the Queensland Government's supply chain. It provides a framework for assessing supplier capability and managing supplier risk across government procurement activities.

Under the model, suppliers may be subject to capability-building initiatives, assurance assessments, and investigations where risks are identified. In more serious circumstances, sanctions or suspension may be considered where suppliers fail to appropriately manage their obligations.

Section 2.3 - Handling Information

One of the most significant requirements for businesses is found in Section 2.3 - Handling Information of the Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct, which states:

"A practical approach must be taken to implement appropriate cybersecurity and privacy practices in order to ensure information is safeguarded and services continue to operate."

This requirement recognises that suppliers often handle sensitive information or play a critical role in delivering services that Queensland Government departments and agencies rely upon. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations are expected to take reasonable and practical steps to protect information, maintain business continuity, and manage cyber risk appropriately.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation?

Cyber security is no longer simply an IT issue. It is a business risk that can impact:

Your ability to deliver services
The confidentiality and integrity of information
The trust of customers and stakeholders
Your reputation and brand
Your eligibility for government contracts

For organisations that currently supply goods or services to the Queensland Government, or those wishing to do so in the future, now is the ideal time to assess whether your cyber security controls are fit for purpose.

Why Taking Action Matters

The Queensland Audit Office recently reviewed third-party cyber security risks across several Queensland Government entities, with findings that should serve as a wake-up call for both agencies and their suppliers.

The review found that while organisations had implemented some IT security controls, those controls were not sufficient to prevent a third-party cyber breach.

Notably, auditors were able to obtain passwords, access systems, and extract sensitive information beyond the intended permissions of a third-party user. In two of the three entities assessed, auditors were able to bypass existing controls and gain the highest level of access within the IT environment.

These findings highlight a critical point: having cyber security measures in place is not enough. Controls must be regularly reviewed, tested, and strengthened to address evolving threats and ensure they remain effective.

For suppliers, this reinforces the expectations outlined within the Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct and the broader Procurement Assurance Model framework.

How MIACOR IT Can Help

With the commencement of the PAM incentive schemes approaching, now is the time to review your cyber security posture and address any gaps before they become business risks.

MIACOR IT can help your organisation:

Understand its current cyber security maturity
Identify vulnerabilities, gaps, and areas for improvement
Review cyber security policies, procedures, and operational controls
Strengthen security controls and business resilience
Improve preparedness for cyber incidents
Review backup, recovery, and continuity capabilities
Develop a practical roadmap for reducing risk

Our approach is tailored to your organisation, providing clear recommendations and achievable improvements that align with your business objectives and risk profile.

Whether you're looking for a cyber security health check, a formal risk assessment, assistance aligning to frameworks such as the Essential Eight, or guidance on strengthening your overall security posture, we can help you take practical steps to reduce risk and improve resilience.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

The best time to improve your cyber security posture is before an incident occurs.

With Queensland Government procurement requirements evolving and the PAM incentive schemes commencing from 1 January 2027, organisations should be taking steps now to understand their risks and strengthen their security controls.

A proactive approach today can help protect your organisation, your customers, your reputation, and your future opportunities as a government supplier.

Start the Conversation

If you're unsure where your organisation stands, let's talk.

We can help you understand your current risks, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop a practical cyber security plan tailored to your business.

📞 1300 MIACOR
✉️ support@miacorit.com.au