Overview
We take a proactive approach to supplier diversity. This promotes equal opportunity in the supply marketplace by encouraging the purchase of goods and services from businesses owned by, or that assist, under-represented groups.
When considering a quote, tender or potential supplier, we consider if the purchase represents value for money.
Indigenous businesses
We adhere to the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)External Link, in conjunction with exemption 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)External Link, to provide a streamlined framework when engaging Indigenous businesses.
We use the Supply NationExternal Link website to identify Indigenous businesses that can provide the goods or services required. Only businesses registered with Supply Nation will show in the search results on their website.
Supply Nation outlines the eligibility criteriaExternal Link for their Indigenous business registration. Once registered, they provide support to Indigenous businesses applying for corporate and government contracts through their ‘Winning’ guidelines and resources.
The Selling to Government guide also has Information for Indigenous businessesExternal Link. This provides additional information around the government’s approach to procuring with Indigenous businesses. It also advises how to locate opportunities, respond to tenders, and provides general guidance for selling to the Australian Government.
Under the IPPExternal Link, a non-Indigenous supplier may have minimum participation or engagement requirements, depending on the value or industry sector that the contract relates to. Details of these requirements or any Indigenous Participation Plan conditions will be included in the request for tender documents.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan provides more details on how we encourage the inclusion of Indigenous businesses through direct procurement and throughout our supply chain.
Australian Disability Enterprises
Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) are generally not-for-profit organisations. They provide supported employment opportunities to help people living with disability to gain training and experience.
ADEs support people with moderate to severe disabilities to engage in a wide variety of work tasks. They offer similar working conditions as other employers and an opportunity for people with a disability to contribute to their local community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has contracted the National Disability Services (NDS) to provide the BuyAbilityExternal Link website. BuyAbility provides a directory of ADEs and the goods or services they offer.
We consider exception 15 (in Appendix A of the CPRs) when reviewing procurement requirements. We can identify ADEs to provide goods or services by searching the BuyAbilityExternal Link website.
DSS has more information on their website about Supported EmploymentExternal Link for people with disability.