As part of National Reconciliation Week 2026, NSWICC CEO Deb Barwick was honoured to join the NSW Premier's Department as a keynote speaker at their National Reconciliation Week event, held at Premier's Department, 2 Martin Place, Sydney.
The event brought together staff, leaders, and stakeholders from across the NSW public sector to reflect on this year's theme — All In — and explore what genuine reconciliation looks like in practice, particularly within government and industry settings.
Deb's address challenged attendees to think beyond Reconciliation Week as a standalone moment, framing reconciliation instead as an ongoing business practice that must be embedded into the everyday operations of organisations across all sectors.
She spoke candidly about what reconciliation means in practical terms — and how government agencies and industry partners can move from intention to action through procurement, workplace culture, leadership, accountability, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous businesses and communities.
A key focus of Deb's address was NSWICC's role in supporting and strengthening Indigenous procurement across NSW — not only helping Indigenous businesses to build capacity and access opportunities, but also working alongside NSW Government and industry to improve their own procurement capability, cultural safety, ethical decision-making, and professional practice.
Deb highlighted NSWICC's Procurement Helpdesk as a practical resource for government staff and industry buyers seeking to better understand Indigenous procurement pathways, supplier engagement, and genuine certification processes.
The discussion also addressed critical issues including black cladding, procurement ethics, inclusion, and the professional development needs of government staff working in this space. Deb emphasised the need for stronger systems that support genuine Indigenous business outcomes — not just compliance.
The NSWICC APP (Aboriginal Procurement Policy) training was also raised as a practical tool to help government staff and industry partners improve their understanding of Indigenous procurement, cultural safety, ethical supplier engagement, and procurement integrity.
Joining Deb on the panel were:
Also in attendance from NSWICC was Rick Hughes, Lead Business Development Manager, representing the Chamber alongside Deb.
The panel brought together perspectives from across the sector — higher education, local government, and the Indigenous business community — creating a rich and honest conversation about the practical realities of reconciliation in action.
NSWICC thanks the NSW Premier's Department for the invitation to be part of this important event and for creating a space where these conversations can happen at a senior government level.
Events like this are a reminder that reconciliation requires the active participation of government, industry, and community — and that meaningful change happens when we are truly All In.
To learn more about NSWICC's work in Indigenous procurement, the Procurement Helpdesk, or APP training, visit nswicc.com.au or contact our team directly.
To explore opportunities to partner with NSWICC, visit our Partnerships page.