Indigenous procurement integrity dispute goes to court
Nyoongar businessman and Indigenous Business Integrity Register (IBIR) founder Gerry Matera has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in relation to an Indigenous procurement integrity dispute.
Mr Matera has filed an application for pre-action discovery against the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) and the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (NCCI).
The application seeks access to documents before a decision is made as to whether substantive legal proceedings should be commenced.
According to the summons filed with the Court, the application seeks orders for the production of documents relating to the preparation, authorship, approval and distribution of an advisory notice circulated within the Indigenous business sector late last year.
The documents sought include draft notices, internal communications and distribution records.
Seeking information
In an affidavit filed in support of the application, Mr Matera stated that the documents are sought to enable an informed decision about whether further legal proceedings should be commenced.
The affidavit identifies potential legal causes of action that may be considered following discovery, including alleged defamation, injurious falsehood and misleading or deceptive conduct.
The affidavit also outlines the development of the Indigenous Business Integrity Register (IBIR), describing it as an initiative established to strengthen transparency, governance and integrity within Indigenous procurement.
It refers to academic research, industry engagement and the platform’s stated objective of supporting genuine Indigenous businesses through independent verification processes.
The defendants have 14 days to respond.
FNN contacted legal representatives of the defendants for comment.
Photo: Cole Baxter
