Western Australia (WA) accounted for more than a third of all national spend with Supply Nation suppliers in 2024-25, according to a new report from Supply Nation and the Waalitj Hub – a business support centre that assists the Indigenous business sector in WA.
The State of Indigenous Business: WA Insights report reveals the Golden State saw Supply Nation members spend $2.1 billion with WA-based suppliers, which equals almost two-thirds (36 percent) of total nationwide spend.
This contributes to a new national milestone, with Supply Nation recording over $5.83 billion in procurement spend with verified Indigenous-owned businesses, up from $4.6 billion in the previous year.
Holding onto its crown as the primary driver of Indigenous procurement in WA, the mining sector accounted for approximately a fifth ($1.1 billion) of spend during 2024-25, while the state also saw strong participation in construction, with a growing dominance of high-value contracts.
It also recorded significant outcomes for female-owned Indigenous businesses, with enterprises receiving a total of $708 million in procurement spend, representing almost half of the national total spend with female‑owned Indigenous suppliers.
Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of WA’s transactions over $1 million were awarded to female‑owned businesses, with the mining sector alone accounting for $572 million.
Elsewhere, small to medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) accounted for the majority (87 percent) of total WA spend.
However, members showed a clear preference for suppliers with annual revenues above $10 million, highlighting the challenges small and new businesses face in accessing high‑value opportunities.
When it comes to high-value contracts, WA suppliers received more than any other state or territory in Australia, with 306 transactions valued at more than $1 million.
Kate Russell, proud Awabakal woman and Supply Nation CEO, said Western Australia is an important jurisdiction given the size and scale of the industry sectors.
“It’s essential that Supply Nation is focused on WA. Over the previous few years, we have reopened our Perth office and increased local staffing levels, making sure we meet the needs of members and suppliers,” she said.
“This year, we are very pleased to bring Australia’s largest and longest-running business event for the Indigenous business sector, Connect, to Boorloo.
“Over two exciting days with a Knowledge Forum, Tradeshow and Gala Awards Dinner, it is an event not to be missed. Real business is done, as well as celebrating the success and growth of the sector.
“We have a long-standing relationship with the Waalitj Hub and were very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with them to produce this report.
“Supply Nation and Waalitj Hub represent two components of a broader Indigenous business ecosystem and by collaborating, it is our hope that we can ensure Indigenous businesses achieve their unique aspirations and full potential.”
Find out more about Supply Nation’s Perth-based Connect event, and catch up on PASA’s recent interview with Kate Russell to learn about the growth, integrity and real impact of Indigenous procurement.
