Western Australia reports procurement growth with record Indigenous contracts

The Western Australian government has reported its strongest Indigenous procurement performance yet, awarding Aboriginal suppliers contracts worth $442 million (€380 million) in the 2024–25 financial year.

The total spend rose from $439 million (€378 million) in 2023–24, accounting for 6.82 per cent of all state-issued contracts — surpassing the four per cent target.

A total of 383 contracts were awarded to 158 Aboriginal suppliers across the State, with the Kimberley and Pilbara regions receiving the largest share of regional contracts. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said the figures demonstrate continued progress in ensuring Aboriginal participation and highlight the growing commercial capacity of Indigenous businesses across Western Australia.

The Department of Communities recorded the highest spend with $190 million (€163 million) across 32 contracts, followed by Main Roads with $102 million (€88 million) across 74 contracts, and the Department of Education with $25 million (€22 million) over 60 contracts. Regional contracts accounted for $246 million (€212 million) of the State’s $442 million (€380 million) total procurement value.

Thirty-one agencies achieved Indigenous procurement spending above the four per cent benchmark, while thirteen did not meet the target. However, six of those reported additional purchases from Aboriginal suppliers not reflected in the official data.

Since the Aboriginal Procurement Policy’s launch six years ago, Indigenous suppliers have secured $1.8 billion (€1.55 billion) in government contracts. Finance Minister David Michael said the results highlight the sustained impact of procurement reforms that continue to advance regional development and inclusive economic participation.

Read the complete report on Western Australia’s Indigenous procurement achievements and outcomes.