Exclusion Controversy: Indigenous Voices Missing from Supply Nation Leadership Roundtable

Supply Nation, known as Australia’s leading certifier and promoter of “Indigenous”-owned businesses, is under scrutiny for a controversial decision to exclude Indigenous business representatives from its newly established Leadership Roundtable.

The joint venture, founded in 2009 by Michael McLeod and Dug Russell with support from the Australian government, has faced renewed criticism about its inclusivity after the announcement.

Announced in early June 2025, the Leadership Roundtable was described by Supply Nation as a high-level strategic forum but Indigenous businesses were notably absent from the initial participant list, prompting strong criticism online.

Ramone Close, First Nations Strategic Advisory leader at PLANZZ Australia stated:

“Unfortunate – I have faith we will evolve into more balanced approaches. Until then, be a good person, and engage with Indigenous businesses to build our economy.”

Clinton Wolf, Vice Chair at the National Indigenous Times, succinctly called the exclusion:

“Shameful.”

Kieran Shirey, co-founder of LOGiT/weavr, added his frustration about Indigenous exclusion, stating:

“Not involving us in conversations that shape our future? Business as usual.”

Supply Nation has not yet publicly addressed these criticisms, leading community leaders and advocates to continue urging immediate corrective action.

And these sentiments highlight broader concerns that Supply Nation’s actions must go beyond symbolic inclusion to reflect real Indigenous participation in strategic initiatives.