Spotlight Series: 5 Minutes with Kate Ingham, Deputy Director General, at the WA Department of Finance

Could you tell us about your background and career journey? Why did you join the public sector?

My first ever job was riding racehorses as a 15-year-old before school. Back then I thought I wanted to be a professional horse rider so I quickly realised I needed to get an education to enable me to support those ambitions. It was during my uni studies on economics and policy that I realised I wanted to do something that positively impacted the community and hence applied for a graduate role at the then Dept of Treasury and Finance.

What are your personal habits for success? 

Always focus on the outcome and bring the people on the journey so you can work around (and sometimes through) the barriers.

Public sector project you're most proud of?

My proudest project would probably be leading the development and implementation of the state's first Aboriginal Procurement Policy. This required considerable engagement internal and external to the government and frankly, I dealt with a fair bit of resistance at times, especially regarding public reporting. I spent a lot of time listening to deeply understand the issues and then jointly develop solutions. Having a Minister who supported us in doing the hard things the entire way made a difference but my biggest support came from elders who represented the aboriginal business sector. I learned so much, both personally and professionally and I feel so grateful for the opportunity.  

Since its implementation, the Aboriginal Procurement Policy has been key in driving Government contracting with Aboriginal businesses. In 2022-23, the Government increased the number of contracts with Aboriginal businesses by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year to 356 contracts awarded in 2022-23. The overall number of contracts awarded in 2022-23 represented 6.87 percent of all Government contracts awarded, exceeding the 3.5 percent target. Over the past five years, Aboriginal businesses have been awarded more than $1 billion worth of Government contracts with over $254 million awarded in 2022-23.

Can you share your top tip for government professionals?

No idea is a bad idea, it's often all about timing. Understand the broader economic and political landscape and seize the opportunity when the timing is right.