SUPPLY NATION CALLS FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN REGIONAL ABORIGINAL BUSINESSES

Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell is calling for stronger government and industry support for regional Aboriginal businesses, warning that too many opportunities remain concentrated in Australia's major cities.

Speaking with Ngaarda Media, Ms Russell highlighted the success of Broome-based Aboriginal economic development organisation Morrgul, which has helped Indigenous businesses across regional Western Australia secure more than $31.3 million in contracts over the past year.

Between September 2025 and August 2026, Morrgul supported 392 Indigenous businesses and organisations, helping create an estimated 63 jobs through business mentoring, tender preparation and practical support.

Ms Russell said the results demonstrated the importance of organisations like Morrgul in helping Aboriginal businesses compete for major contracts and build long-term economic independence.

"We know that regional remote communities and businesses are not getting the same level of contracts and the same level of opportunities as our metropolitan brothers and sisters," she said.

According to Supply Nation, $5.83 billion in contracts flowed through its members and suppliers during the 2024–25 financial year, but Ms Russell said much of that activity remained concentrated in metropolitan areas.

She said supporting Indigenous businesses delivered benefits far beyond individual contracts.

Supply Nation research found that every dollar of revenue generated by an Indigenous business produced $3.66 in economic and social value, contributing to employment, education, wellbeing and stronger local economies.

Ms Russell also called for greater leadership from state governments to establish Indigenous procurement targets for local councils.

"There are 537 local councils across Australia, and they procure billions of dollars of products and services each year," she said.

She believes stronger local procurement policies could unlock significant opportunities for Aboriginal businesses, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Ms Russell also encouraged individuals and organisations to purchase from Indigenous businesses, pointing to Supply Nation's free directory of more than 6,500 verified businesses.

For Supply Nation, the success of organisations like Morrgul demonstrates what is possible when Aboriginal businesses receive practical support, access to contracts and opportunities to grow.

Find Indigenous businesses through Supply Nation's directory at www.supplynation.org.au.