Ledger record YTD26-015
March 26, 2026 · effective March 26, 2026
The Procurement Ombud reported systemic integrity and accountability failures in federal Indigenous procurement.
The review weakened confidence in headline claims about the five-per-cent target by finding no central policy or accountability, inconsistent verification, missed mandatory pre-award audits, and weak monitoring of Indigenous delivery.
Disclosed
$1.2 billion
ISC-reported 2023-24 procurement from Indigenous businesses; review found impact may be overstated
Where it stands
Findings published. Departments promised changes, but a fully operating central policy, audit regime, and outcome measure were not demonstrated by the cutoff.
What would move it next
Implementation of strengthened registration, control verification, pre-award audits, subcontracting disclosure, and benefit measurement.
The other view
Government reported exceeding the five-per-cent target, while the Ombud's evidence showed that reported spend is not equivalent to verified Indigenous economic participation.
Unresolved
- How much reported spending produces verified Indigenous control, employment, and retained margin?
- Will reforms protect legitimate joint ventures without enabling pass-through structures?