Increased State Government Procurement spend with South Australian Aboriginal Businesses
The State Government’s spending and procurement practices can provide a massive opportunity for the State to provide Aboriginal Economic Participation outcomes. The Aboriginal Economic Participation initiative was established in 2016 and the key focus is to increase the number and diversity of South Australian based businesses successfully winning State Government Contracts.
The Office of the Industry Advocate worked closely with South Australian Aboriginal businesses to assist them to grow their business capacity, capability and profile. This support also applies to State Government Agencies and Tier 1 contractors wanting engage local Aboriginal businesses.
The sharp increase in the reported results of SA Government Aboriginal procurement spend is the result of the successful development and implementation of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy which provides economic benefit to Aboriginal businesses and their staff. The spending increase to the South Australian Aboriginal business sector has jumped from $7 million in 2014-15 to $65.9 million in 2018-19.
Aileen Shannon, Owner and Business Manager of Wiltja Constructions, an Aboriginal business based in Quorn SA, said the ‘SA Government Procurement Policy assists us to help the Government meet their targets for engaging Aboriginal Business Enterprises. We enjoy the variety of tenders and the opportunity of creating employment for Aboriginal people – especially employment for Anangu people – that’s where the passion began for Wiltja Constructions.’
