Quality Assurance

Quality assurance (QA) is about managing business processes so that both the supplier and the customer are satisfied with the quality and consistency of the goods or services provided.

For suppliers, QA means consistent production and delivery of a product or service.

For customers, QA nurtures confidence in consistently receiving a product or service that meets their specifications.

Australia uses the International Organisation for Standardisation’s (ISO) 9000 series of Quality System Standards. The current AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems – Requirements Standard which applies to all organisations regardless of size, industry, product or service has been revised. The new standard AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – Requirements which was published in December 2008, can now be applied. This standard:

defines the business process controls that need to be visible and has an emphasis on customer satisfaction, continual improvement and efficiency.
encourages suppliers to develop their quality management system following the processes employed by the organisation as they flow through in practice, not necessarily as they are listed in the Standard.

AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – Requirements is available at http://www.infostore.saiglobal.com/shop In the Search window, key in AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008.

Queensland Government buyers and procurement officers need to be aware of the Government’s Quality Assurance Policy.

You need to correctly assess the risk level of purchases and make sure that suppliers meet the appropriate quality assurance requirements before entering into any contract or agreement.

Suppliers offering to government agencies need to understand the quality assurance requirements and satisfy them, where specified.

For more information about putting the Quality Assurance Policy into practice, telephone Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office’s QA Hotline during office hours on 1800 628 901 or email qa@qgcpo.qld.gov.au. SQCS Team (PDF, 1237kb)

Last updated March 2009