Australian Owned welcomes today’s announcement by the Federal Government to prioritise Australian businesses in Commonwealth procurement, marking a major step forward in strengthening Australia’s economic sovereignty and supporting local jobs.

From 17 November 2025, new procurement rules will ensure that only Australian businesses are invited to tender for government contracts valued below $125,000, and for construction services up to $7.5 million. This means Australian businesses will now be at the front of the queue for around 31,000 contracts worth nearly $2 billion each year.

Australian Owned “Micheal Leighton, Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager” said the announcement was a welcome recognition of the hard work of Australian business owners who contribute directly to the national economy.

“This announcement is a major win for Australian-owned companies and for everyday Australians who choose to build, employ, and invest right here at home.

For years, we’ve been advocating for greater prioritisation of Australian businesses in government procurement and today’s announcement shows that our voices have been heard,” Micheal Leighton said.

The new rules follow extensive consultation on the definition of an Australian business, a process in which Australian Owned played an active role to ensure genuine, locally owned businesses are properly recognised and supported.

“We thank Minister Gallagher for the leadership she has shown in listening to feedback from companies like ours, and for recognising that fair access to government procurement is essential for Australian-owned businesses to grow and compete,” Micheal Leighton said.

Australian Owned has long championed the importance of keeping profits, jobs, and innovation within Australia, with certification helping consumers and government agencies identify and support truly Australian-owned companies.

“This is about more than just contracts, it’s about keeping wealth in Australian hands, creating local jobs, and building a more resilient national economy,” Micheal Leighton said.

We also welcomed the introduction of the Supplier Portal within AusTender, which will provide better visibility and transparency around business ownership and capability, ensuring greater accountability in public spending. Australian Owned is now calling on all state and territory governments to follow the Commonwealth’s lead and make similar changes to their own procurement frameworks.

It’s time for every level of government to put Australian Owned companies and everyday Australians ahead of multinational corporations.

By prioritising businesses that are genuinely owned and operated here at home, we can ensure that public spending continues to create local jobs, strengthen regional economies, and keep profits circulating within Australia rather than flowing offshore.

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