Qld latest with Michelle Farquhar

Queensland’s State of Play 2026  

Today started with a Queensland Futures Institute Policy Leaders' Forum panel discussion on the issues that matter most in our state. 

Joining leaders from Property Council of Australia, AgForce Queensland and Queensland Tourism Industry Council, I spoke of: 

• the ongoing impact of skilled workforce shortages affecting all industries,  

• the need for a training framework to help businesses implement AI responsibly and  

• the need to boost productivity for national prosperity.  

Trump tariffs 

At Australian Industry Group, we often talk about the three Ds: decarbonisation, digitalisation and disruption. 

The year has certainly got off to a disruptive start, and the announcement this week of further Trump tariffs only adds to the chaos.   

To help you stay up to date, Austrade, in collaboration with DFAT, is hosting a webinar tomorrow morning as part of its Navigating US Tariffs series.  

You’ll hear from DFAT’s Deputy Head of Mission in Washington Jason Robertson and Head of US Trade Taskforce Elizabeth Ward. Register your attendance here.  

The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs is exhausting for business and takes a personal toll on leadership teams.  

With Easter on the horizon, try to pencil in some leave, and please look after yourselves. 

Change management the key to rolling out AI successfully 

Keen to embrace the benefits of artificial intelligence?  

Join me on March 26 when I host a ‘fireside chat’ with senior leaders implementing AI tools to lift productivity and bring joy into the workplace. 

You will hear from:  

• Leigh Williams, of Brisbane Catholic Education; 

• Anatoly Tulchinsky, of Technology One and  

• Professor Dian Tjondronegro, of Griffith University 

Register for this free event, held in partnership with Griffith University, here. 

Want to do business with Queensland government? 

The new Queensland Government procurement policy is live. 

I’ve been working with the Procurement Ministerial Advisory Council, led by Minister Sam O’Connor and his departmental team, on the policy’s priorities to include a focus on local opportunities, simplifying doing business with government and being open to new ideas. Take a look at the new framework here. 

Save the date: Brisbane 2032 webinar  

In other procurement news, I’ll be taking part in an Australian Industry Group webinar on Brisbane 2032 opportunities. 

This practical and informative webinar, on March 31, will cover: 

• current procurement opportunities (sector, type, spend and location) 

• procurement objectives and eligibility considerations, including local content and social procurement 

• timing of upcoming procurement packages and where SMEs can register to stay informed 

• what SMEs can do now to position themselves for current and future opportunities 

• opportunities for SMEs to connect with the IOC procurement team and prime contractors 

• key information sources, including GIICA and the ICN Gateway and  

• Support available to SMEs. 

Look out for registration details, coming soon. 

That’s all for now. Enjoy the rest of your week and, as ever, contact me for assistance, advice or just a chat!  

Michelle