The WA public sector’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy is to be extended for a further three years after a review of its impact deemed it to be a success.
A statement from the Department of Finance said that since it began in July 2018, Government Departments and Agencies had been required to award contracts to registered Aboriginal businesses consistent with progressive targets increasing to three per cent.
“The review found the policy had a positive impact in supporting growth in the Aboriginal business sector by awarding more than 413 contracts worth more than $339 million to Aboriginal businesses,” the Department said.
“The targets for the next three years will increase from three per cent in year four, to three and a half per cent in year five, and four per cent by the end of year six.”
The Department said it was exploring additional ways to support the Aboriginal business sector.
Minister for Finance, Ben Wyatt said that every year targets had been exceeded, demonstrating the local Aboriginal business sector’s breadth and capacity.
“It has also improved the economic prosperity of Aboriginal businesses and the broader Aboriginal community by supporting local jobs, many in regional areas,” Mr Wyatt said.
“We want to build on the success of the initial term of this policy and increase targets to ensure continued support for the Aboriginal business sector.”
He urged Aboriginal businesses not yet engaged with the policy to get involved to potentially benefit from future Government procurement opportunities.
Information relating to the policy can be accessed at this PS News link.
