Submissions

Speaking up for Indigenous business and community

NSWICC is committed to ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard where it matters most - in policy settings, legislation, inquiries and strategic reviews that shape the economic and social future of our communities.

As the peak body for Indigenous business in New South Wales, NSWICC plays a leading role in providing informed, community-led and evidence-based submissions to:

  • State and Federal Government departments
  • Parliamentary and Senate inquiries
  • Major policy and program reviews
  • Industry reform processes
  • National frameworks relating to procurement, employment, economic development and Indigenous affairs

Our submissions are grounded in:

  • Direct input from Indigenous businesses and community organisations across NSW
  • Decades of on-the-ground experience delivering programs, building networks, and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship

A strong commitment to economic self-determination, cultural safety and equity in opportunity

Key Focus Areas

Our submissions have addressed a wide range of topics, including:

  • NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy reviews and implementation reform - read the submission here
  • Senate Inquiries into the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)
  • Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) frameworks and alignment with procurement initiatives
  • Black cladding and misrepresentation in Indigenous business supply chains
  • Access to capital and finance for Indigenous businesses
  • Social procurement reform and embedding Indigenous business participation in ESG strategies
  • The role of Indigenous Chambers of Commerce in national economic recovery plans
  • Workforce development and entrepreneurship as part of Closing the Gap targets
  • Housing and infrastructure procurement, advocating for direct Indigenous business involvement
  • Input into the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly around Target 5 (employment) and Target 7 (business ownership)
Deb & Josiah Speaking 2025 (1)

Our Advocacy in Action

“Policy created to impact Aboriginal people in any way must always be informed and guided by Aboriginal people or their representatives”.

Deb Barwick CEO, NSWICC

NSWICC is regularly invited to contribute to high-level consultations and policy roundtables. We actively work to ensure that:

  • Procurement policies are effective, ethical, and inclusive
  • Program funding is directed to where it is needed most
  • Indigenous businesses are not only consulted - but empowered as key stakeholders

Our advocacy has influenced procurement, economic participation and Indigenous affairs policy at both state and national levels, including:

  • The establishment of the Industry Based Agreement (IBA) between NSWICC and the NSW Government
  • Contributions to the design and evaluation of the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy
  • Collaboration with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Finance, NSW Treasury and Infrastructure NSW.

Transparent and Strategic

All NSWICC submissions are crafted with a focus on real-world impact, practical recommendations and measurable outcomes. Where possible, our submissions are made publicly available and shared with our members and partners.

We welcome input from our member businesses and stakeholders when developing submissions - because true representation means walking together.

NSWICC-about-us

Have your Say

Are you an Indigenous business owner or community representative with insights to share?
We invite you to contribute to upcoming submissions or share issues impacting your business.

Contact us to learn more or get involved in our policy work.