Outstanding procurement and contract management professionals from across the Australian Public Service (APS) have been recognised at the 2026 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Awards for Excellence, presented by Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance. The awards celebrate innovation, leadership and excellence in procurement and contract management, recognising the individuals and teams delivering better outcomes for government and the Australian community.
Recognising excellence across the profession
The awards recognised outstanding achievements across three categories: leadership, industry engagement, and contract management capability.
Leader in Procurement and Contract Management
Gold Award Winner
Luke McLeod from the Department of Defence received the Gold award in the Leader in Procurement and Contract Management category for his influential contribution to the profession. His work has helped transform procurement from a transactional function into a strategic enabler of capability, delivering flexible, fit-for-purpose contracts and stronger partnerships with industry. Luke's approach balanced value for money, competition, service quality and long-term sustainability while fostering innovation and reducing risk.
Honourable mentions
Honourable mentions were awarded to Roland Walker and Simon Eggins (Department of Defence), Dawn Delaney (Australian Border Force), Nicole West (Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator) and Wayne Hitchens (Australian War Memorial) for their significant contributions to strengthening procurement and contract management capability within their organisations.
Collaboration and Engagement with Industry
Gold Award Winner
The SEA3000 General Purpose Frigate procurement team from the Department of Defence received the Gold Award for Collaboration and Engagement with Industry. Working within unprecedented timeframes, the team engaged closely with industry through structured workshops and innovative collaboration processes to address technical, commercial and contractual risks while maintaining fairness, probity and value for money.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended recognition was awarded to the Commodity Management Centre at the Department of Defence for developing a technology-enabled marketplace that delivers a contemporary procurement experience for Defence users.
The Australian Antarctic Division within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water was also Highly Commended for its collaborative approach to procuring helicopter services for Australia's Antarctic Program. Industry feedback helped shape procurement design and improve procurement outcomes.
Contract Management Capability
Gold Award Winner
The Australian Border Force received the Gold Award for Contract Management Capability after transforming the management of one of its most complex and operationally critical contracts. The team strengthened governance arrangements, built organisational capability, introduced evidence-based performance management and reset supplier engagement, creating a practical model for managing high-risk, high-value contracts.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended recognition was awarded to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for strengthening contract management capability through innovation, stakeholder engagement and system improvements that embedded stronger governance and accountability.
The Navy Training Force at the Department of Defence was also Highly Commended for transforming a fragmented contract management portfolio into a coordinated and high-performing system supporting critical workforce capabilities across the Australian Defence Force.
Conference brings together procurement leaders from across the APS
The awards ceremony capped off the 2026 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Conference, which brought together more than 450 procurement and contract management professionals from across the APS, alongside industry representatives and government leaders, in Canberra on 1 September. Hosted by the Department of Finance, the conference provided an opportunity for participants to strengthen capability, share practical insights and explore emerging challenges and opportunities facing the profession.
The day commenced with a Welcome to Country delivered by Aunty Serena Williams, followed by an opening address from Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Government Services. Participants heard from a range of government and industry leaders on topics including integrity, artificial intelligence, market engagement, complex contract management, risk and probity, and ICT contract management.
Dedicated streams on contract management and market engagement enabled attendees to tailor their conference experience to their professional interests and development needs. Through presentations, case studies, panel discussions and fireside chats, participants gained practical insights and real-world examples that can be applied across government.
The conference highlighted the increasingly strategic role of procurement and contract management in supporting the delivery of government priorities and outcomes for Australians. Discussions throughout the day reinforced the importance of integrity, contract management, market engagement and professional capability in meeting future challenges.
The Department of Finance congratulates all award recipients, finalists and nominees, and thanks the speakers, attendees, judges and event partners who contributed to the success of the conference and awards program. Together, they showcased the professionalism, capability and dedication that continues to strengthen procurement and contract management across the APS.
Leader in Procurement and Contract Management Gold award winner Luke McLeod (Defence).
The SEA3000 General Purpose Frigate procurement team (Defence) won Collaboration and Engagement with Industry.
Australian Border Force took out the Contract Management Capability award.
