More than $15 billion in new procurement contracts have been awarded to South Australian businesses since 2022, following a suite of procurement reforms aimed at prioritising local suppliers.
The overall total includes $5.18 billion awarded between 1 July 2024 and 31 May 2025 alone, which means SA-based firms now account for 91 percent of government contracts – up from 68 percent in the 2021–22 financial year.
To further support local firms, around 1,000 business representatives recently attended the SA Government’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ event at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on 2 July, hosted by the Office of the Industry Advocate, in partnership with the SA Business Chamber.
The event provided the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with procurement decision‑makers from over 40 state government departments, as well as head contractors from major infrastructure projects, industry associations and local government representatives.
“Local businesses are the big winners from this government’s commitment to look local first, cashing in on more than $15 billion in government contracts,” said South Australian Treasurer, Stephen Mullighan.
“The reforms we have made to procurement are delivering real results for South Australian businesses and workers, putting more money into our state’s economy.
“The Meet the Buyer event is an opportunity to give even more local companies a helping hand, so they are best placed to win government contracts and tenders.”
John Chapman OAM, the State’s Industry Advocate, said he was very pleased to have been able to partner with the South Australian Business Chamber and forge stronger connections between government procurement and businesses in South Australia.
“It is crucial that the Government provides that commercial bridge to the business community, and this has been reflected in a significant lift in Meet the Buyer registrations this year,” he said.
“As these figures released today show, there are enormous opportunities for businesses to secure government contracts and the Meet the Buyer event opens that door.
“The event provides the chance to explore the State Government’s forward procurement plans, which allows businesses to identify procurements suited to their operations and properly prepare for tendering opportunities.”
Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber, also shared his enthusiasm and revealed how his organisation is feeling the positive impact of increased local participation.
“The scope of works being undertaken across South Australia is opening up more opportunities for local business than ever before,” he said.
“For many businesses, partnering with the Government is a new frontier and we are regularly contacted by operators seeking information on how they can participate.”
