The Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) has been updated to include new Aboriginal participation requirements for goods, services and works contracts valued at $5 million and above advertised from 1 January 2022.
The requirements will apply across 5 categories, including:
- community services
- construction
- education and training
- public administration and finance
- where services will be delivered predominantly to Aboriginal people or target the specific needs of Aboriginal people (for example, services being delivered to remote Aboriginal communities).
Suppliers will be able to choose whether to pursue an employment or subcontracting target based on their industry knowledge.
The new requirements stem from an impact review into the APP’s first term. The review determined strong support for the recognition of subcontracting arrangements with Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal employment outcomes.
The APP’s reach is extended by requiring that suppliers wanting to contract with government commit to contributing to Aboriginal economic development.
Tailored information sessions for government agencies, suppliers and Aboriginal businesses will provide more information on the new requirements and how they may be applied to future government tenders.
