Indigenous businesses have secured $10 billion worth of Federal Government contracts over almost 10 years.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said more than 71,000 contracts had been awarded to over 4100 Indigenous businesses since 2015.
Senator McCarthy said the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) had played a key role in supporting the growth of the Indigenous business sector, significantly increasing the Commonwealth’s purchasing from First Nations businesses since its introduction.
“Through the growth of the Indigenous business sector there are now enterprises established across a broad range of industries, including construction, management and professional services, clothing production, safety equipment, information and communications technology, recruitment, and legal and financial services,” she said.
Senator McCarthy said the success of Indigenous businesses was providing greater pathways to economic development and creating opportunities to employ, train and mentor First Nations people, while creating and modelling culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces.
“$10 billion in Commonwealth contracts over nearly a decade is a significant milestone achieved by the First Nations business sector,” she said.
“Indigenous businesses are a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment and self-determination. Through business, First Nations people can provide for their families and contribute to the economic development and well-being of their communities.”
