Member for Murray Austin Evans has welcomed news the NSW Government’s new target to support Aboriginal jobs through its procurement activities will support the creation of jobs in Murray.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Finance Victor Dominello and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell recently announced the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which will target three per cent of Government goods and services contracts to be offered to Aboriginal owned businesses.
The new policy, in conjunction with the existing Aboriginal Participation in Construction policy, will support an average of 1000 Aboriginal jobs per year over the next three years.
“These jobs could include electrical services, catering, recruitment and landscaping,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“With around $20 billion invested in NSW Government contracts on goods and services a year, we are in a unique position to offer this practical support for creating Aboriginal jobs.”
Mr Dominello added, “Ultimately this is about delivering greater accountability through regular reporting and measurement of employment outcomes.
“For the first time we will track not just the number of contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses but also the number of jobs for Aboriginal people supported through the Government’s procurement spend.”
Ms Mitchell said the new policy is fantastic news for Aboriginal communities right across the state.
“This policy will not only boost Aboriginal employment, but it will also grow Aboriginal leaders’ and communities’ capacity to drive their own solutions.”
Mr Evans said he is proud the Nationals and Liberals Government is continuing to focus on Murray’s Aboriginal community.
“It is so important we continue to nurture our Aboriginal people to ensure they benefit as much as possible from NSW’s strong economic state,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on Murray”.
For more information on the policy visit www.procurepoint.nsw.gov.au