Making a difference through procurement

Through the procurement decisions we make every day, we have the power to positively influence the integrity and diversity of our supply chain.

This is true whether we are acquiring products and services or engaging sub-contractors on our projects.

We look to create social value without compromising on quality or cost-effectiveness, by seeking out suppliers who:

• operate ethically
• take environmental considerations into account
• facilitate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within Australia
• create and support employment opportunities for indigenous communities in New Zealand
• enhance social inclusion by creating job opportunities for minority groups including individuals experiencing disadvantage

To do this, we’re partnering with several peak sustainability organisations. In addition to helping us meet our procurement objectives, these relationships provide us with opportunities to align with industry-best practice and learn and share valuable insights.

These include memberships with:

Supply Nation – a leader in supplier diversity. Supply Nation connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses with the procurement teams of government and corporate Australia.

Social Traders creates jobs for disadvantaged Australians, including people with a disability and the long-term unemployed. It does this by linking business and government buyers with social enterprises. Social enterprises are companies which have been established with the intention to tackle social problems, improve communities, provide people with access to employment and training or help the environment.

Ventia’s Aboriginal Business Partner, Harry Thorne at the 2019 Indigenous Business Expo

Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA). This is a member-based peak body operating in Australia and New Zealand with the purpose of enabling sustainability outcomes in infrastructure.

ISCA’s iSupply directory provides its members with access to suppliers who can help them to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Beyond this, ISCA supports the infrastructure industry through forums, education, training, capacity building and advocacy.

As a company, we strive to deliver sustainable outcomes for our clients and communities by integrating sustainability considerations in our business decisions.

Christian Frost, EGM SHEQ

“As a company, we strive to deliver sustainable outcomes for our clients and communities by integrating sustainability considerations in our business decisions,” said Christian Frost, EGM SHEQ. “Our memberships of Supply Nation, Social Traders and ISCA further enhance these efforts.”

Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) is an independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The NZ Federation of Business & Professional Women (NZFBPW) is the equivalent body in New Zealand.

Our membership with these organisations provides access to evidence-based research, extensive diversity and inclusion (D&I) tools and resources, as well as the ability to procure D&I related training through workshops and other forums.

“DCA and NZFBPW gives us great opportunities for connection and networking as well as credible, pragmatic resources and expertise to help further our D&I programs” said Rebelle Moriarty, EGM People & Capability.

National Reconciliation Week activities in WA