Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business

Supporting local Aboriginal businesses and driving positive outcomes for regional communities

Aboriginal communities and people are a large part of our community. That's why we support and have embraced the State Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (Policy).

The Policy is a WA Government initiative which sets ascending annual targets for a percentage award of contracts valued at $50,000 or more to registered Aboriginal businesses. In accordance with the Policy, we are committed to targets to award at least two per cent of our contracts that are valued $50,000 or more to registered businesses in the financial year 2019-2020. The targets under the Policy will escalate to three per cent in 2020 and three per cent by 2021 and so will our commitment to working with Aboriginal businesses.

We were the first State Government entity in Western Australia to partner with Supply Nation, which maintains a national register of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. We continue to work with Supply Nation and registered businesses to achieve our commitments to the Policy.

To create access to opportunity, Aboriginal businesses are strongly encouraged to register with Supply Nation and the Aboriginal Business Directory of Western Australia, as these are the two key registration databases outlined in the Policy, and which the State Government searches for prospective contractors.

Further information

The Social Procurement Team within the Department of Finance can assist with questions about the Aboriginal Procurement Policy. Contact their team by phoning (08) 6551 2475 or visit their website.

 

Artwork by Desert Gem Director Vattessa Colbung

This artwork relates to Horizon Power's close association with Aboriginal communities and illustrates the beauty of country and healing. 

The centre circle in the middle represents Horizon Power sitting with Aboriginal communities (depicted as campsites) and is the central source of energy for local businesses and residents.

Vattessa Colbung is a contemporary Aboriginal artist and writer who values community based activities within the Goldfields region. She was born in Kalgoorlie and acknowledges her Aboriginal heritage as a member of the Wagyl Kaip, South West Boojarah, Yilka and Wangkatja nations. Visit Desert Gem's website.