Leading Aboriginal businesses have gathered to identify priorities for Closing the Gap implementation at the NSW Government's inaugural NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the commencement of regular Roundtables with the Aboriginal business community reflected the importance of economic opportunity as part of the NSW Government's Closing the Gap agenda.
"NSW is the only state to have a specific, additional priority reform on Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity," he said.
"We recognise that in addition to their economic contribution, Aboriginal businesses are important vehicles for self-determination and better social and educational outcomes, and we want to develop an investment environment they can succeed in," he said.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the event recognised the important role of Aboriginal businesses, as well as their diversity.
"I look forward to further hearing from Aboriginal businesses from across different sectors as we discuss how to better involve them in NSW Government work.
"Central to this is our Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which makes it easier for Government agencies to consider an Aboriginal business when procuring goods and services and will also see more jobs created and more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses," he said.
The MC for the Roundtable is distinguished journalist and author Stan Grant, who noted the importance of consultative processes that enable Aboriginal organisations to identify priority areas for government action.
"As MC, I'm looking forward to connecting the voices of Aboriginal business leaders with NSW Government, particularly in the context of planning a COVID-19 recovery."
Founder, Director and Program Manager of Aboriginal owned ICT delivery and consultancy firm Patonga Projects Brett Chamberlain said he was looking forward to working with the government and Aboriginal peak bodies on Closing the Gap actions to drive change in communities.
"We're particularly interested in supporting digital inclusion and improved access to data, and the Roundtable is a chance for government to listen to and act on our feedback while growing relationships with the Aboriginal business sector," he said.
