Procurement contracts won by Indigenous businesses play a vitally important role in reconciliation and have far-reaching positive impacts.
For proud Durug man and Director at Ngalawa Nura Brendan Thomas (pictured) procurement practices across the property industry are becoming more prevalent, particularly as the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP), which sets targets for the volume and value of Commonwealth contracts to be awarded to Indigenous businesses, has grown.
“Really only this year, are we starting to hear of major government contracts, starting to enforce requirements under the IPP, which I think is then putting more urgency into the sector,” he said.
Thomas said like all job types there is competition for top talent in the space.
“However, in my experience, one of the distinguishing factors in attracting Indigenous employees is whether a company or workplace is a culturally safe place,” he said.
“And with so many amazing organisations such as BlackCard, Kinsella Consulting & Two Point Co. that offer Cultural competency training, there are plenty of options for companies to develop their knowledge.
“The skill sets, the competency, the size and complexity of indigenous businesses available today is absolutely mind blowing and there is no need for sacrifice when it comes to engaging with those parties.
“You’re able to engage with very experienced, very competent, very diligent, value-add organisations.”
Thomas said in setting up his business he tried to engage with other Indigenous owned businesses, a trend he said is prevalent with other Indigenous led businesses.
He said people have a few options when it comes to finding out how they can be active in the space.
“They can either access certified lists of Indigenous owned businesses through NSWICC or Supply Nations, or reach out to a company like us, who are able to support you to develop your Indigenous procurement strategy, identify targeted sectors or spend and provide introductions to suitable suppliers,” he said.