Overview
We take a proactive approach to supplier diversity. This promotes equal opportunity in the supply marketplace by encouraging the purchase of goods and services from businesses owned by, or that assist, underrepresented groups.
When considering a quote, tender or potential supplier, the ATO considers if the purchase represents value for money.
Indigenous businesses
We adhere to the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)External Link, in conjunction with exemption 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)External Link, to provide a streamlined framework when engaging Indigenous businesses.
We use the Supply NationExternal Link website to identify Indigenous businesses that can provide the goods or services required. Only businesses registered with Supply Nation will show in the search results on their website. Supply Nation outlines the eligibility criteriaExternal Link for their Indigenous business registration.
Under the IPPExternal Link, a non-Indigenous supplier may have minimum participation or engagement requirements, depending on the value or industry sector that the contract relates to.
The ATO's Reconciliation Action Plan encourages the inclusion of Indigenous businesses through direct procurement and throughout our supply chain.
Australian Disability Enterprises
Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) are generally not-for-profit organisations. They provide supported employment opportunities to people with disability to help them gain training and experience.
ADEs support people with moderate to severe disabilities to engage in a wide variety of work tasks. They offer similar working conditions as other employers and an opportunity for people with a disability to contribute to their local community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has contracted the National Disability Services (NDS) to provide the BuyAbilityExternal Link website. BuyAbility provides a directory of ADEs and the goods or services they offer.
The ATO considers exception 15 (in Appendix A of the CPRs) when reviewing procurement requirements and can identify ADEs to provide goods or services by searching the BuyAbilityExternal Link website.
Find out more information on our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Details of the CPRs, which commenced on 13 June 2023, can be found on Department of Finance – Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)External Link.
To understand more on IPP, visit the National Indigenous Australians Agency - Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)External Link.
The DSS provides further information on Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) - Disability and CarersExternal Link.
Supplier diversity promotes equal opportunity and drives benefits to improve the wellbeing of underrepresented groups.