Association to boost indigenous businesses in the Pilbara

A new association launched today by Training Minister Peter Collier is expected to provide an increase in training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara.

The Pilbara Aboriginal Contractors Association Inc (PACA) was developed by the region's indigenous business leaders, who saw a need to engage industry, government and other stakeholders to help Aboriginal businesses to prosper.

"The role the Pilbara Aboriginal Contractors Association will play in fostering Aboriginal business ownership is critical," Mr Collier said.

"Aboriginal people represent nearly 16 per cent of the population in the Pilbara, but less than one per cent of businesses in the region are indigenous owned."

The Minister said the group would foster a stronger profile for Aboriginal-owned businesses by improving networks, promoting partnerships and joint projects, advocating for members, promoting training and employment opportunities and assisting members with contract negotiations.

"A target included in Training WA, which I launched earlier this year, is to have 30,000 Aboriginal people enrolled in employment-related training between now and 2012," he said.

"This is why I am delighted to launch this new association, which has a strong commitment to training, employment and community development for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara.

"The association will help Aboriginal-owned businesses to grow in the coming years, providing training opportunities in a range of jobs, including electricians; mechanics; painters; drivers; boilermakers; managers; engineers; estimators and safety officers.

"This will provide long-term benefits to Aboriginal people in the Pilbara."

PACA has already established partnerships with BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Chevron Australia Gorgon Project, which will provide significant opportunities for member businesses.