The Queensland Indigenous Business Network's Indigenous Business Gateway has been recognised as an Indigenous business directory under the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026, giving government buyers a formal channel to find verified Indigenous suppliers across the state.
The recognition means businesses listed on the Gateway sit within one of the directories government agencies can draw on to meet Indigenous procurement commitments under the policy.
QIBN is the statewide representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Queensland, established to fill a gap as the only Australian jurisdiction without a dedicated independent body representing Indigenous business interests. Supported by the Queensland Government, the network provides advocacy, verification, business support and connections between Indigenous suppliers and government and corporate buyers. Queensland is estimated to be home to more than 3,000 Indigenous business owner-managers.
QIBN said the Gateway was developed to increase the visibility of verified Indigenous-owned businesses, providing buyers with a trusted platform to discover capable suppliers in real time while helping businesses access new procurement opportunities.
"This recognition represents an important step in strengthening Indigenous procurement across Queensland and reinforces QIBN's role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to participate in government and industry supply chains," the organisation said in a statement.
The announcement comes early in the tenure of new chief executive Paul Graham, a Gangalidda man and Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across the corporate, education and not-for-profit sectors. Mr Graham has flagged procurement as central to his agenda.
"QIBN has an important role to play in championing Indigenous business, strengthening procurement and supply chain opportunities, and ensuring our members are supported to participate in the significant economic opportunities ahead, including those emerging in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Mr Graham said on his appointment.
"I look forward to working with the Board, members and partners to continue strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Queensland, and to help ensure QIBN remains a strong and influential voice for Indigenous business growth, leadership and economic empowerment."
QIBN Co-Chairperson Julie-ann Lambourne said Mr Graham's appointment came "at a significant time for QIBN as it continues to grow its impact and position Indigenous businesses to benefit from emerging opportunities across Queensland".
The network's three-year strategic plan commits it to establishing regional business hubs, an annual Queensland Indigenous Trade Fair, and a statewide Indigenous business database, with the Gateway as its central digital platform connecting members to public and private sector buyers.
QIBN is encouraging Indigenous businesses to become Verified Members to secure a place on the Gateway ahead of the procurement pipeline building toward Brisbane 2032.
Expressions of interest are open through QIBN's website.
