Leadership Capability Uplift: Procurement Workshop for NSW Gov

When government leaders invest in genuinely understanding Indigenous procurement, the outcomes extend far beyond the training room. Stronger partnerships are forged, better procurement decisions are made, and real economic opportunity flows directly to Indigenous businesses and communities across New South Wales. This month, the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) brought that principle to life, delivering its Leadership Capability Uplift: Indigenous Procurement Workshop to NSW Government staff at the Diyagiyulang-gal Enterprise Hub on Gadigal Country in Redfern.

The Workshop

The session was led by NSWICC Chief Executive Officer Deb Barwick and Business Development Manager Josiah Younes, with facilitation provided by Luke McIlroy-Ranga from valued Assured Member business, Tika EQ. Together, they guided participants through the knowledge, tools, and cultural context needed to confidently and effectively engage Indigenous businesses in their procurement decisions. The workshop forms part of NSWICC's Buying on Country — Equitable Procurement Practices (EPP) program, developed under contract to Aboriginal Affairs NSW and approved for all NSW Government staff with spend delegation. The program is designed to enhance understanding and maximise the effective application of the NSW Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) - from low-value purchasing card transactions through to major contracts.

Senior Government Leadership in the Room

A highlight of the day was the participation of senior NSW Government leadership. Danny Lester from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure attended and shared valuable insights on the Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy, the current state of Indigenous procurement across government, and the NSW Government's commitments to driving measurable outcomes with Indigenous businesses. Having senior leaders present in the room - not just procurement officers - sends a clear signal that embedding Indigenous procurement is a whole-of-organisation responsibility, not simply a compliance function.

Why This Work Matters

The Buying on Country EPP program is built on a straightforward but powerful belief: that true economic empowerment for First Nations people requires buyers who are confident, capable, and culturally informed. Too often, procurement teams lack the knowledge, tools, or cultural context to engage Indigenous suppliers effectively. The result is missed opportunities - for government agencies to meet their obligations under the APP, and for Indigenous businesses to access the commercial opportunities they are ready and able to deliver. The Buying on Country (BOC) - EPP program addresses this directly, equipping government staff at every level of spend delegation with:

A Program Open to Government and Industry

The BOC EPP Training Program is currently available to all NSW Government staff with spend delegation. NSW Government agencies can register for immediate access through the Buying on Country website. For organisations outside of government, NSWICC will be offering a tailored variation of the program in the coming months. Register your interest now to be among the first to access it.

Days like this matter, the more government and industry leaders invest in building their capability around Indigenous procurement, the stronger the foundation becomes for genuine, lasting economic participation by First Nations businesses across NSW.

Learn more about the Buying on Country EPP program: buyingoncountry.com.au/equitable-procurement-practices

NSW Government staff: Register now for immediate access to the BOC EPP Training Program.

Not in government? Register your interest to be notified when the industry variation launches.