This report sets out the results of an assessment of the implementation of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) since its commencement in January 2021. It finds the New South Wales (NSW) public sector has consistently exceeded the APP’s spend and contract targets. The employment target was met in the first year (2021), with reporting on that target ceasing thereafter.

Despite the targets having been met or exceeded, the impact of the APP is constrained by inconsistent implementation across agencies, limited transparency, and concerns around compliance by agencies and head contractors. NSW Treasury failed to deliver on its commitment to publish a revised APP within the expected timeframe, following a review of the policy in 2023. This has resulted in uncertainty, loss of trust, and reduced confidence among stakeholders that their engagements with government would lead to the changes promised in the review.

The report also finds a lack of comprehensive data on Aboriginal participation plan results achieved against APP targets limits NSW Treasury’s ability to demonstrate whether the APP is supporting Aboriginal employment and increasing Aboriginal participation in procurement. It makes it more difficult to hold agencies and suppliers accountable for delivering Aboriginal participation outcomes. Despite a requirement to do so, agency groups are not currently publishing Aboriginal participation strategies.

Notwithstanding the above issues, stakeholders expressed strong support for the APP, viewing it as a critical lever to promote Aboriginal economic prosperity.