Photos vs Funding: DFAT’s UN Day post meets Indigenous Procurement – EMDG reality

On the 9th of August, the United Nations‘ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) marked the occasion with celebratory images and warm words…. but do the outcomes match the optics?

Well, according to my previous analysis of government reporting, I don’t believe they do…

0.69% Indigenous Procurement Problem

Over the 2021–2023 funding rounds of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, only 66 of 9,610 successful applications went to Indigenous‑owned businesses – a share of 0.69%.

Moreover, the scale of the program makes the gap harder to dismiss.

“Austrade delivered three grant rounds receiving over 10,000 applications, that converted to over 9,600 grant agreements.”

So why does this matter on UN Day?

Because the day is meant to highlight the rights and self‑determination of Indigenous peoples… yet, when it comes to practical export support, the share for Indigenous businesses remains tiny.

So what would credible action look like?

Firstly, I would suggest a dedicated Indigenous tier within EMDG to streamline evidence requirements and make assessments culturally safe… and secondly, encourage DFAT to get greater participation in the Independent Review of the EMDG program, which is gathering submissions on how to improve access and effectiveness.

Together, these steps could lift the share in the next rounds and make progress visible.