Indigenous Procurement Leadership Summit 2026

Pre-Conference Workshop

09:00 First Nations Leadership Masterclass

This one-day masterclass is designed specifically for Indigenous staff and future leaders to rise to greater levels of influence, responsibility and decision-making.

It will challenge your assumptions, expand and develop your mindset, skillset and toolsets to become  a more effective leader whilst navigating some of the challenges Indigenous professionals can face in the workplace.

Throughout the day, you will explore frameworks and tools, emotional intelligence, develop your  unique leadership style, navigate workplace cultural challenges, learn powerful verbal and nonverbal  communication skills, and exert your personal influence and build a foundation for positive influence  and success.

Key Course Takeaways:

• Understand the value and importance of leadership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Confidence you need to navigate your role and engage with multiple stakeholders
• Internalise leadership styles, qualities, and behaviours
• Develop strategic leadership skills that are effective & informed by both Indigenous culture & Western best practice
• Deepen cultural awareness & identity in the context of business leadership
• Take Away practical skills such as negotiating, problem-solving and above-the-line thinking
• Develop your unique, authentic leadership style
• Influence and engage with others with more impact and presence
• Deepen & broaden your worldview and ability to coordinate different perspectives
• Contribute to the development of Indigenous leaders and staff within your organisation

Conference Day 1

Across Australia’s public sector, Indigenous leaders are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of government. From influencing national policy to strengthening representation across institutions, Indigenous leadership is helping transform how government serves communities.

This opening session explores the growing impact of Indigenous leaders across the public service and the important role they play in shaping stronger and more inclusive institutions. Delegates will hear insights from senior leaders who are navigating complex government systems while remaining grounded in culture, community and purpose. Discover how Indigenous perspectives are influencing policy, leadership and decision making across Australia’s public sector.

Leadership within the public sector often requires navigating complex systems, competing priorities and large institutional structures. For Indigenous leaders, this journey can also involve balancing cultural identity with the demands of working within government environments.

This session explores what effective leadership looks like within the public service and how Indigenous leaders are driving change from within. Hear practical insights on navigating bureaucracy, influencing decision makers and building support across departments and agencies. Delegates will gain valuable perspectives on leading with confidence, authenticity and resilience while working within some of the most complex leadership environments in Australia.

Governments across Australia are increasingly recognising the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in shaping better policy outcomes. When Indigenous voices are embedded in decision making, policies can become more culturally informed, effective and responsive to community needs.

This session explores how Indigenous knowledge systems can strengthen public sector policy and governance. Delegates will hear insights from leaders who are working to ensure Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into policy development and program design. Discover how government institutions can move beyond consultation towards genuine collaboration and how Indigenous leadership can help shape policy that delivers stronger outcomes for communities.

Closing the Gap remains one of the most important national priorities for governments across Australia. While policy commitments and funding are critical, strong leadership at all levels of government is essential to delivering meaningful and lasting outcomes.

In this headline keynote, Linda Burney, Former Minister for Indigenous Australians and the first Indigenous woman elected to the House of Representatives, will share insights from the highest levels of government. Drawing on her experience shaping national policy and leading key reform initiatives, Linda will reflect on the progress, challenges and opportunities influencing the future of Closing the Gap.

This session will explore the role of Indigenous leadership in driving accountability, strengthening partnerships and influencing long term change across government. Gain a deeper understanding of what is required to move from commitment to impact, and how leadership across the public sector can help deliver stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Conference Day 2

09:00 From Insight To Action – Key Take Aways From Day 1

She is a staunch advocate of equality for women in business and believes women should be helping other women every chance they get. Dana established Konnect Learning in 2013 and the Leadership Institute in 2017. Since then she has advocated for equality for women in all aspects of her entrepreneurial and professional life – in particular by chairing and assisting the production team in the development of TLI’s Women in Leadership line of events.

SESSION 1
9:30 AM: From Policy to Impact. Delivering Better Outcomes for Communities

Public sector leadership is ultimately measured by the outcomes it delivers for communities. While policy frameworks provide direction, it is strong leadership and effective implementation that determine whether government initiatives create real change.

This session focuses on translating policy into practical impact. Delegates will hear insights from leaders working across government who are driving programs and initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through real world experiences and practical lessons, this session will explore how government leaders can strengthen service delivery, improve collaboration and ensure policy commitments result in meaningful outcomes for communities.

10:20: Morning Tea

SESSION 2
10:50 AM: Indigenous Leadership in Major Public Sector Reforms

Across Australia, governments are undertaking significant reforms across sectors such as health, justice, education and social policy. Indigenous leaders are increasingly playing a vital role in shaping these reforms and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are reflected in decision making.

This session explores how Indigenous leadership is influencing major public sector initiatives and driving reform across government systems. Delegates will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading change within large institutions and complex policy environments. Hear perspectives on how Indigenous leaders are helping shape more inclusive policies and strengthening the ability of government to respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

SESSION 3: Keynote Session
11:40 AM: The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Indigenous Leadership

Storytelling has long been central to Indigenous culture, identity and knowledge sharing. In today’s leadership landscape, it also plays a powerful role in shaping perspectives, influencing thinking and driving meaningful change.

In this keynote session, Anita Heiss, acclaimed author and proud Wiradjuri woman, will explore how storytelling can strengthen leadership, challenge assumptions and create deeper understanding within organisations and communities. Drawing on her work as a writer, academic and commentator, Anita will share insights on the role of narrative in shaping identity, amplifying voices and influencing how we lead.

Discover how storytelling can be used as a powerful tool to strengthen leadership across Australia’s public sector.

12:40 AM: From Insights to Action

01:00 PM: Lunch

SESSION 4
2:00 PM: Building Strong Partnerships Between Government and Indigenous Communities

Effective government policy and programs depend on strong relationships with the communities they serve. Across Australia, many government organisations are working to strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.

This session explores the importance of collaboration, trust and meaningful engagement between government and Indigenous communities. Delegates will hear insights on building respectful partnerships and working alongside communities to design and deliver initiatives that reflect local priorities. Discover how leaders across the public sector are strengthening relationships and ensuring community voices are central to government decision making.

2:50 PM: Afternoon Tea

SESSION 5
3:10 PM: The Next Generation of Indigenous Public Sector Leaders

As Indigenous leadership continues to grow across the public service, supporting the next generation of leaders is more important than ever. Emerging Indigenous professionals bring new perspectives, energy and ideas that will shape the future of government.

This closing session explores the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of Indigenous public sector leaders. Delegates will hear reflections on leadership journeys, mentorship and the importance of building strong pathways for future leaders. Discover how today’s leaders can support and empower the next generation to continue strengthening Indigenous leadership across Australia’s public sector.

4:00 AM PM Bringing it all together - From Insight to Action

4:40 PM Close of Day one & Networking Drinks

Post-Conference Workshop 1

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 28TH AUGUST

The economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provides a real path to reconciliation – and also allows the strengthening of ethical behaviour whilst working more effectively with Indigenous communities.

This half-day workshop will give organisations and individuals the skills to strengthen ethical behaviour by developing an understanding of obligations and responsibilities to Land and to each other - as Aboriginal people have practised for thousands of years. You will build your cultural capability to work effectively with members of the Aboriginal community and lead Aboriginal staff with greater impact and empathy. Most importantly,you will improve retention of Aboriginal staff, make sure your employers, supervisors, and workplaces understand Aboriginal experience and what they can do to make Aboriginal employment work.

Key Benefits of Attending:

• Gain knowledge and awareness of cultural identity in relation to colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers and the wider community

• Appreciate the different behavioural styles of people from different cultures

• Understand the type of languages (written and spoken) that is generated in a particular field and the cultural assumptions and underpinning language

• Gain a greater attitude of tolerance towards differences

• Upskill your ability to work more harmoniously

• Appreciate Aboriginal approaches to teaching and more effectively with others learning

• Put advice and information into appropriate language for the receiver

Post-Conference Workshop 2

Reconciliation Action Plans make a massive difference across all sectors in Australian workplaces. RAPs are a powerful tool for advancing reconciliation in Australia. RAP frameworks assist organisations to foster relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community, all the while embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving culture. By developing a nationally recognised, tried and tested model for workplaces to formalise commitments to reconciliation, RAPs help to foster a community of shared value, goals and a common language when it comes to reconciliation. This half day workshop is for organisations at any stage of RAP development, implementation or refinement. It will cover initial development of ideas, activities or programs which align with your particular business or brand and work to support Indigenous communities and people. It will provide advice on all aspects of RAP development around the three pillars of Respect, Relationships and Opportunities including Indigenous employment, recruitment and retention, cultural protocols, developing partnerships and sponsorships, establishing networks and engaging with Indigenous communities in your organisation’s region and more broadly.

Key Learning Outcomes: :

• Implement a tried and tested framework that is proven to drive reconciliation through practical actions commitment to reconciliation

• Turn your organisation’s good intentions into action by formalising your organisation’s commitment to reconciliation

• Reaffirm institutional integrity by embedding an engaging framework contributing towards good governance practices

• Join a dynamic, supportive and fast growing network of RAP organisations

• Gain greater esteem as an employer of choice and build a more dynamic and diverse workforce
  

• Enable your staff to develop greater cultural awareness and professional development  practices that will strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

• Ensure more effective and relevant service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities