- Target of 3.5 million hours worked by Aboriginal peoples in Transport portfolio achieved
- Target was reached more than 12 months ahead of schedule
- State's Transport portfolio committed to improving economic outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and businesses
The State Government has surpassed a significant target of increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples within the State's transport infrastructure program.
Targets developed to build the capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses and employees were set by the State Government in October 2021, with the first target of $700 million of works undertaken by Aboriginal businesses achieved in December 2024.
The second target of 3.5 million hours worked by Aboriginal peoples, directly engaged by portfolio agencies or indirectly through contractors, has now also been achieved, with 3,632,484.18 hours worked by Aboriginal peoples to date, representing nearly 8 per cent of all hours worked across the Transport portfolio's major infrastructure projects.
The Transport portfolio continues to drive growth across the Aboriginal business sector and provide employment pathways for Aboriginal peoples to positively impact economic development and social outcomes for the Aboriginal businesses and communities.
New targets will be announced in due course with the Transport portfolio remaining committed to removing barriers and providing support to encourage participation by Aboriginal suppliers and employees through initiatives including:
- partnerships and collaboration with Aboriginal corporations and the Aboriginal business industry;
- consultation with Aboriginal businesses and organisations during development of relevant strategies and policies; and
- building respect and awareness across cultures for positive change and inclusive workplaces
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's brilliant to see so many new and established Aboriginal owned businesses maximising the incredible opportunities available across the State's transport infrastructure projects.
"Creating economic empowerment opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal Elders and Traditional Owners is paramount in achieving better social outcomes.
"We're proud to be facilitating training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples across the State, who may be new to the workforce or the infrastructure industry. By increasing the number of skilled workers, we're also building a strong and productive infrastructure industry."
