EY Australia launches new offering to foster economic empowerment in First Nations businesses
Tuesday 6 2025, Gadigal Country, Sydney: Today, Ernst & Young Australia (“EY Australia” or “firm”) launched the Office of First Nations Engagement to support Indigenous affairs intelligence and cultural awareness for its clients across Australia.
The Office of First Nations Engagement will drive cultural intelligence and Indigenous affairs services for clients by working with existing Indigenous suppliers via Supply Nation and other Indigenous Chambers of Commerce throughout Australia.
Unlike other models of Indigenous affairs expertise, EY Australia is committed to actively working towards making an impact to Closing the Gap through economic empowerment, working with First Nations businesses, and meeting client requirements in collaboration with these enterprises.
Commenting on the move, EY Regional Managing Partner and CEO, Oceania, David Larocca said: “Australian businesses are increasingly focused on competitive advantage, which can be enhanced by innovate approaches to supplier diversity. By bringing innovative supply chain solutions to clients across the country – in partnership with First Nations businesses – we’re confident that we can drive greater opportunities, commercial advantage and economic empowerment in the community.”
EY Australia has maintained an Indigenous affairs offering since 2015, in response to the growing need for First Nations businesses in supply chains as part of Reconciliation Action Plans.
Office of First Nations Engagement Managing Partner, EY Australia, and Aboriginal man, Norman Laing (Dunghutti) commented: “Our intent is to contribute to Closing the Gap through economic empowerment and independence. We will do so by meaningfully and commercially engaging with external First Nations businesses. We are not passive; we actively support First Nations businesses, share our success with them, and assist them in making inter-generational changes throughout the community.
“Traditionally under-represented businesses require opportunities to change entrenched organisational and commercial practices. By working with organisations like Supply Nation, we can accelerate these opportunities and support the economic empowerment of the First Nations business community.”
Since 2009, Supply Nation has worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and procurement teams from the corporate, government and non-profit sectors, to help shape today’s rapidly growing Indigenous business sector.
Commenting on the shift to an external First Nations engagement model at EY Australia, Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell (Awabakal) said: “By empowering Indigenous-owned and operated businesses to actively participate in commercial client engagements, EY Australia is proactively encouraging supplier diversity in procurement and supply chains. This encourages competition and adds value to the business. It is an innovative approach, as rather than simply hiring Indigenous talent to service clients, EY is empowering local entrepreneurship and supporting the broader economic impact of First Nations businesses which leads to greater prosperity for all.”
In addition to working with Supply Nation and other Indigenous Chambers of Commerce, EY Australia will focus on further expanding its network of First Nations suppliers.
-ENDS-
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young, Australia, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.