New strategy means more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders

The Palaszczuk Government has unveiled a new whole-of-government strategy to boost economic participation outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and Indigenous businesses.

‘Moving Ahead’ was launched by Acting Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt in Cairns at Fibre Optics NQ - a thriving Indigenous business that's been supplying and installing copper and wireless networks since 2001.

“Moving Ahead will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participate fully as possible in Queensland’s growing economy through skilling, training and employment, and business growth and development,” Mr Pitt said.

“This strategy seeks to improve Indigenous employment and procurement opportunities within the State’s public sector.

“Key initiatives include increasing the Queensland Government’s proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to 3 per cent by 2022 through a range of measures, including recruitment, retention and career development.

“As the state’s largest employer, the Palaszczuk Government is clearly stepping up to demonstrate our commitment to creating a diverse workforce and we’re already matching our intentions with actions.

“Since 1 July 2015, across the State 282 Indigenous businesses have secured contracts with the Queensland Government for provision of goods and services totalling more than $170 million – almost tripling Government’s spend from the previous year.”

Moving Ahead includes 27 actions to drive targeted change across five priority areas:

1. Build a more skilled and diverse workforce
2. Focus on youth, and plan for future success
3. Build our partnership with industry
4. Increase entrepreneurship, business growth and innovation
5. Overcome barriers and realise opportunities to completion.

Mr Pitt said the Moving Ahead strategy would help increase procurement from Indigenous businesses to benefit business owners, their families and their communities, as well as the State’s economy.

“To harness private-sector opportunities and leverage Government spending, we will also develop an Indigenous Procurement Policy to further increase Government procurement contracts with Indigenous businesses,” Mr Pitt said.

“This will provide a clear signal to Indigenous businesses to grow and develop to meet market demand and will also provide a pathway to employment.

“By encouraging private and public sectors to support Indigenous business and outcomes, such partnerships can become the norm, rather than the exception.

"Fibre Optics NQ is an outstanding example of a successful Indigenous business that is leading the way in recruiting Indigenous employees to build a reputable and successful company with high customer satisfaction rates.

“Moving Ahead sends the message that economic participation is everyone’s responsibility and that genuine, sustained improvements can only be achieved through a partnership approach.

“Indigenous Queenslanders are employed in all industries across Queensland and provide significant social, cultural and economic contributions to the State’s economy but they continue to face disadvantage in accessing the labour market.

“Increasing economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will improve life outcomes and provide the opportunity to build wealth and better invest in health, education and home ownership.”

The Moving Ahead: A strategic approach to increasing the participation of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland’s economy 2016 – 2022 strategy is available online at www.datsip.qld.gov.au

Background: Previous Queensland Government procurement of Indigenous businesses

$26 million in 2012-13

$35 million in 2013-14

$60 million in 2014-15

>$170 million in 2015-16

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