This is the key finding of the first annual Aboriginal Procurement Policy report released by the Department of Finance on 12 December.
The report shows that in the first year since the policy’s introduction, 4.77% of government contracts were awarded to Aboriginal businesses. This involved 179 contracts with a total value exceeding $167 million, triple the number awarded before the policy was introduced. Contracts were awarded to 92 Aboriginal businesses across a wide range of industries, 99% of them Western Australian businesses.
The report shows that 33 agencies achieved or exceeded the first year target. It also lists agencies that did not meet the target.
From 1 July 2018, the policy required government departments to award one percent of contracts to Aboriginal businesses, rising to three percent by 2021.
The policy aims to successfully deliver government contracts while improving the economic prosperity of people in Aboriginal businesses, their suppliers, sub-contractors and the broader Aboriginal community.
The Department of Finance administers the Policy. It is advising agencies on meeting targets and Aboriginal businesses on working with government. The Department will continue to monitor progress and report on the outcomes.
Read the Aboriginal Procurement Policy First Year Performance Report here.
(Image courtesy of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
