Supply Nation faces backlash over Indigenous business exclusion

Supply Nation’s decision to reconvene its Leadership Roundtable without any Indigenous-owned business representation has sparked criticism from Indigenous leaders and federal politicians. Instead, the 15-member forum included weapons manufacturers and the Department of Defence, despite being promoted as a mechanism to shape procurement initiatives before wider rollout.

The organisation maintains the roundtable’s purpose is to support its 5,000 members in advancing procurement practices, not to debate broader Indigenous economic policy. However, critics argue the absence of First Nations businesses undermines credibility, particularly when two-thirds of Indigenous SMEs are not engaged with Supply Nation’s network.

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Kerrynne Liddle, said this is precisely the wrong moment to dilute focus on Indigenous businesses, warning missed opportunities in supporting their growth and integration into supply chains.

Read the full article to explore what this means for procurement and supplier diversity strategies.