The largest ever contingent of buyers and businesses attended the third annual Aboriginal Business Expo at Optus Stadium today.
The Aboriginal Business Expo, hosted by the Department of Finance, aims to bring together Aboriginal businesses, not-for-profit sectors and head contractors to forge new relationships and discuss upcoming contracting opportunities.
The event also saw the State Government announce new Aboriginal participation requirements, which will further the positive impact of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy.
These requirements introduce mandatory obligations on major contracts to WA Government in certain categories with minimum sub-contracting and employment targets.
Head contractors to the State Government attended to meet with Aboriginal businesses to discuss the new Aboriginal participation requirements.
The event reflected the State Government's commitment to optimising outcomes consistent with the Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which seeks to support the development of Aboriginal businesses and positively impact the financial and economic security of Aboriginal people.
These objectives are aligned to the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and the State Government's commitment to Closing the Gap.
The success of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy during its first three-year term was also celebrated with the announcement that 692 contracts valued at over $475 million have been awarded to Aboriginal businesses between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2021.
Strong success was achieved in regional areas with Aboriginal businesses outside of Perth being awarded more 60 percent of those contracts.
The event offered Aboriginal businesses unparalleled access to buyers with one-on-one meetings to make meaningful connections and 'have a yarn' with more than 400 attendees across the public, not-for-profit and private sectors.
As stated by Finance Minister Tony Buti:
"The McGowan Government is leading the State in prioritising Aboriginal economic development and is committed to monitoring outcomes achieved.
"The success of the first three years of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy demonstrates the impact the mandated targets have had on regular buying behaviour.
"The State Government is pleased to announce new Aboriginal participation requirements, in which further benefit will be provided to the Aboriginal community.
"Aboriginal businesses throughout the State have shown their ability to successfully tender and deliver contracts. They've demonstrated their important and vital role in the WA Government supply chain."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Aboriginal Business Expo provides an opportunity to network and build relationships with an open mind, and speak to representatives from a diverse range of organisations.
"Fostering the emergence and growth of Aboriginal businesses is crucial to build the economic prosperity of the Aboriginal community as a whole.
"These conversations will help to pave the way for further opportunities and ways to continue building Aboriginal economic development in Western Australia."
Finance Minister's office - 6552 6400
