Engineering and construction company Laing O'Rourke's longstanding commitment to Indigenous business and supplier diversity is helping drive significant growth for Western Australian Indigenous-owned traffic management company Kany Bidi, Supply Nation says, with procurement contracts now valued at more than $14 million.
A member of Supply Nation since 2011, Laing O'Rourke recorded $66 million in procurement spend with Supply Nation-verified businesses in the 2024-25 financial year — a significant increase from $2.3 million in 2017-18.
The form now works with around 120 Indigenous businesses across its projects throughout Australia, including Kany Bidi, meaning "One Path", an Indigenous-owned traffic management company established in Perth in 2019 by proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar man and former Fremantle Docker, Michael Johnson.
Laing O'Rourke first engaged Kany Bidi in 2020 to provide traffic management services on a major transport infrastructure project in Perth.
Kany Bidi's work is underpinned by a strong focus on community, delivering safe, high-quality traffic management services while creating long-term career opportunities and pathways for Indigenous Australians.
Mr Johnson said while offering high-quality traffic services, Kany Bidi is "serious about staff retention and raising Aboriginal employment levels, developing skills and workforce inclusion".
"The partnership with Laing O'Rourke has allowed us to develop a strong foundation and deliver services with a values driven approach and we are proud to continue working with Laing O'Rourke as well as actively seeking projects in regional and remote Western Australia with other prime contractors," he said.
Following the successful delivery of that first project, Kany Bidi has gone on to work across six major Laing O'Rourke projects, with the total value of its procurement contracts growing to $14.5 million.
Laing O'Rourke Senior Indigenous Affairs and Social Inclusion Adviser, Amanda Inman, said Laing O'Rourke was proud to support Kany Bidi's business growth and development."
"Michael and Kany Bidi have been working on the Swan River Crossings projects since 2024 and with Laing O'Rourke since 2020 across various projects," Ms Inman said.
"Michael is a strong leader bringing skills acquired as a top athlete to the business and consistently supports his team.
"They have demonstrated not only high capability but also shown dedication and support related to genuine Indigenous employment currently at an impressive average of 65 percent."
The strength of the partnership was recognised at the 2024 Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards, where Laing O'Rourke was named Corporate Member of the Year.
Ms Inman was also named Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year and received the prestigious Dr Jean Jarrett Award for Outstanding Impact, while Laing O'Rourke Procurement Leader Ryan Sims was separately recognised as Procurement Professional of the Year.
Supply Nation CEO, Kate Russell, said Laing O'Rourke was an early supporter of Supply Nation and committed to membership at an early stage.
"Over this time, Laing O'Rourke has spent hundreds of millions of dollars with verified Indigenous-owned businesses, contributing to business growth and delivering meaningful economic and social outcomes," Ms Russell said.
"Importantly, its commitment extends beyond procurement, with investment in programs that create long-term employment opportunities and foster sustainable partnerships.
"The ongoing collaboration between Kany Bidi and Laing O'Rourke is a powerful example of how genuine partnerships can build capability and strength in both organisations, while creating sustainable economic outcomes and long-term opportunities for Indigenous business."
Supply Nation said the growth of Kany Bidi highlights the impact that long-term, strategic procurement can have when businesses are given the opportunity to build capability and establish enduring commercial relationships.
