As part of National Reconciliation Week, the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) engaged in a critical dialogue on the future of Indigenous business participation. NSWICC Chief Executive Officer Deb Barwick joined an influential panel discussion hosted by our valued partner, Optus, at their Sydney headquarters. The session brought together industry leaders and advocates to explore how corporate Australia can move beyond superficial engagement and build genuine, lasting economic relationships with First Nations businesses.
The panel was expertly facilitated by Kate Aitken (Optus) and featured insights from Yatu Widders-Hunt, representing NSWICC Assured Member Cox Inall Ridgeway, alongside Nick Kusalic (Optus). The primary focus of the discussion was a highly pressing issue within the Indigenous business sector: the ongoing challenge of black cladding. Panelists explored how this practice undermines genuine First Nations entrepreneurs and discussed the practical, systemic measures that corporate partners must adopt to mitigate these risks and protect the integrity of the sector.
During her address, Deb Barwick shared the robust measures that NSWICC has implemented to combat black cladding through its rigorous verification and assurance processes. She highlighted that corporate partners like Optus play a vital role by aligning their procurement policies with certified chambers. By working directly alongside NSWICC, organisations can ensure their spend is directed exclusively to genuine, First Nations-owned and operated businesses, thereby fostering true economic self-determination
.A central theme of the roundtable was the critical transition from transactional procurement to relational engagement. The panel emphasised that sustainable social impact cannot be achieved through a simple "check-box" exercise of purchasing goods and services. Instead, corporate entities must invest time in understanding the communities they work with, establishing deep-seated relationships built on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared learning.
The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation from both Optus and NSWICC to continue strengthening their collaboration. It was an inspiring day of positive conversations, shared learning, and a united commitment to creating stronger, more equitable outcomes for Aboriginal businesses and communities across New South Wales.
Protecting First Nations Businesses: Want to ensure your organisation’s procurement strategy supports genuine Indigenous-owned businesses? Learn more about the NSWICC Assured Certification Process and how you can partner with us to drive authentic economic impact.
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