- More WA Aboriginal businesses to benefit from record Cook Labor Government investment in water and wastewater infrastructure
- Stronger procurement incentives boost Aboriginal employment training outcomes
- Water Corporation on track to award $45.6 million (6.7 per cent) in contracts to Aboriginal businesses in 2025-2026
More Western Australian-owned Aboriginal businesses are set to benefit from record Cook Labor Government investment into water and wastewater projects under changes to Water Corporation procurement processes.
The changes, which begin on 1 July, introduce stronger incentives for bidders to exceed minimum targets, with Aboriginal employment, training, and cultural capability given greater weighting in tender evaluations.
Bidders on contracts over $5 million who have committed to Aboriginal employment targets must also ensure 10 per cent of the total subcontracted value flows to Aboriginal businesses.
Employment targets will also increase over time where contracts involve ongoing programs of work to support sustained participation by Aboriginal businesses and their people.
Water Corporation, which voluntarily aligns to the State Government's 4 per cent Aboriginal procurement target, awarded 55 contracts to Aboriginal businesses in 2024-25, representing 6.3 per cent of all contracts above $50,000.
It is on track to eclipse that number this financial year, with 50 contracts over $50,000 awarded to Aboriginal businesses to April, totalling $45.6 million.
Major projects are driving these outcomes, including at the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant where 27 Aboriginal businesses have been engaged and more than $28 million in contracts awarded to date.
Future opportunities are expected to increase with a record $2.7 billion to be invested in new water and wastewater infrastructure in 2026-2027, creating jobs, growing businesses, and delivering lasting economic benefits to communities across the State.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs and Water Minister Don Punch:
"Water Corporation continues to set a strong example of delivering real economic opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and communities across the State.
"It is encouraging to see performance exceed Aboriginal Procurement Policy targets, with Water Corporation on track for record participation this financial year.
"These changes will open the door for more Aboriginal businesses to share in Western Australia's record water infrastructure investment.
"By increasing subcontracting requirements and investing $2.7 billion, the Cook Labor Government is creating lasting jobs, stronger businesses, and genuine economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities."
