Supply Nation has announced a record $6.79 billion in procurement spend with verified Indigenous businesses in FY2025–26, marking a 16.5% increase on the previous year’s $5.83 billion and a significant milestone in Indigenous economic participation.

The annual figure reflects commercial contracts, strategic procurement and transactional spending on products and services by Supply Nation’s corporate, government and not-for-profit members. It excludes government support programs, grants and other forms of philanthropic assistance, demonstrating the growing role of Indigenous businesses in Australia’s commercial economy.

An impressive 99% of eligible Supply Nation members reported their spend with Indigenous suppliers, highlighting the continued commitment of organisations across the country to building stronger, more inclusive supply chains.

Corporate buyers accounted for most expenditure, recording $4.6 billion in procurement with Indigenous businesses or approximately two-thirds of total spend. Government procurement also recorded strong growth, rising from $1.6 billion in FY2024–25 to $2.2 billion in FY2025–26, an increase of 33% across federal, state and territory entities.

The mining sector remained a significant contributor, recording $1.6 billion in spend with Indigenous businesses, representing almost a quarter of the national total.

The milestone comes as Supply Nation’s membership reaches 900 organisations, while its national directory now lists almost 6,500 verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business entities spanning all sectors of the economy.

The impact of this procurement extends beyond contracts and commercial relationships, creating opportunities for sustainable employment, skills development and long-term career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

One example is the partnership between CPB Contractors, a Supply Nation member since 2015 and part of the CIMIC Group, and ARA Indigenous Services, a majority Indigenous-owned, Supply Nation Certified Supplier.

CPB Contractors is one of Australia’s leading construction and infrastructure companies, delivering major projects across transport, roads, rail, tunnelling, resources, energy and social infrastructure. ARA Indigenous Services provides commercial cleaning, property maintenance and integrated facilities services across healthcare, education, government and industry.

Together, the organisations demonstrate how strong supplier partnerships can deliver both commercial value and meaningful social and economic outcomes for Indigenous communities. CPB Contractors recorded $68.1 million in procurement spend with Indigenous-owned suppliers in FY2025–26, contributing to the growing national impact of Indigenous procurement.

Supply Nation’s latest figures reinforce the importance of sustained collaboration between businesses, government and Indigenous suppliers in creating a more diverse, resilient and inclusive Australian economy.

Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said: “In a time of economic uncertainty, global trade disruptions and challenging cost of living issues, our member organisations have again stepped up and proven their ongoing commitment to supplier diversity and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities through business.

“It’s important to recognise that while there is historically significant spend in certain industry segments, such as mining and construction, our corporate, government and not-for-profit members are also engaging with a diverse range of suppliers across all industries and of all sizes including smaller sole traders.

“This year’s total spend is significant and it is pleasing to see an increase over last year’s figure, but it’s what is behind the figure that’s important. It means economic empowerment, it means greater self-determination, and represents improved financial stability, jobs growth, employment pathways and improved well-being. It means healthier thriving communities,” said Ms Russell.

“In urban, regional and rural communities we are seeing the positive impact of engaging with Indigenous-owned businesses. We know also that local government and localised support can also play a pivotal role in creating positive economic and social impact. Looking forward we will be seeking to work with states and territories to activate increased procurement by local councils.

“When local government and councils support Indigenous businesses, particularly in regional locations, jobs and benefits stay local.”

CPB Contractors Senior Advisor Indigenous Engagement Mustafa Al-Badre said: “Through the infrastructure we build, CPB Contractors helps connect communities, support essential services and create lasting opportunities across Australia. With that comes both a great opportunity and a responsibility to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people share in the employment and business opportunities our projects generate.

“Our partnership with ARA Indigenous Services is helping us turn that commitment into action by creating genuine employment pathways and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation across our projects.

“Through our industry-leading Social Inclusion procurement approach and regular Indigenous business engagement forums, we are creating more opportunities for Indigenous and social enterprises to enter our supply chain, strengthen their capability and grow, building lasting benefits that extend well beyond the life of a project.”

ARA Indigenous Services Managing Director Michael O’Loughlin said: “The partnership with CPB Contractors has assisted us to build and demonstrate capacity and our capability. We deliver all ARA services and ensure meaningful Indigenous engagement on all our projects.

“For us, the foundation is education, it’s the absolute key to everything. So, alongside the business and secure employment pathways, it was important for us to help community and inspire our younger generation to think big.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with ARA Indigenous Services and the GO Foundation. That will be our real legacy and CPB Contractors have been a big part of our achievements to date.”