What you need to apply for tenders

ABN (Australian Business Number) — Required for nearly every government tender. If your work is a company activity, have your ACN handy too. Registration is free through the government business registry.

GST registration — Most government contracts are GST-inclusive. Register for GST if your turnover meets the threshold, and be ready to quote prices both excluding and including GST.

A business bank account — Buyers pay through supplier systems, so you'll need account details that match your registered business name.

Key personnel details — Names, roles, qualifications and experience of the people who will deliver the work. Small business owners usually list themselves.

Public liability insurance — Covers injury or damage to other people or property. Government work commonly asks for $10 million to $20 million cover; the exact amount is always stated in each tender.

Professional indemnity insurance — Expected for consulting, design, advisory, IT and professional services. Cover levels often range from $1 million to $10 million depending on contract value.

Workers compensation insurance — Statutory cover for your employees — mandatory in every state and territory if you have staff.

Product liability — Relevant if you supply goods. It is sometimes bundled with public liability.

Capability statement — A 1–2 page summary of your business: what you do, past work, qualifications and contact details. Prepare it once and reuse it.

References — Two or three recent clients who can confirm similar work was delivered well. Ask their permission before listing them.

Evidence of past performance — Short case studies or project summaries with scope, value and outcome. Facts beat adjectives.

Financial standing — Larger contracts may ask for recent financial statements or a statement that your business can fund the work.

Policies and systems — Work health and safety policy, quality assurance, environmental management, and modern slavery or code-of-conduct declarations for bigger contracts.

Industry licences and prequalification — Trades, construction, health and some services require licences or registration with a scheme. Check each tender's mandatory criteria early — they take time to obtain.

Missing a mandatory criterion — If the tender says you must have X, responses without X are set aside. Address every checkbox explicitly.

Late submission — Closing times are enforced to the minute. Aim to submit a day early — portals get busy on deadline day.

Ignoring the format — Many responses require forms, pricing schedules or page limits. Follow the structure the buyer gives you.

Vague claims — 'We are experienced' convinces no one. Say what you delivered, for whom, when, and at what size.

Not answering the question — Each criterion is usually scored separately. Repeat the question and answer it directly.