Thank you for that introduction
I am so pleased to be here with you
It is fantastic to see so many of you here
I want to thank Larrakia Nation for that Welcome to Country
I want to pay my respects to you as the Traditional Owners of the beautiful land that we are gathering on tonight
And I’d like to pay my respects to your Elders, past and present.
I thank you for your wisdom and care of Country and culture.
I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people here today.
I would also like to acknowledge
- The Hon Natasha Fyles, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
- Jerome Cubillo as the CEO of the Indigenous Business Network
- Kim Hill as the Chair of the Indigenous Business Network
- Professor Peter Yu, Vice President of the First Nations Portfolio at ANU
- Rayleen Brown as the Chair of First Nations Bush Foods and Botanicals Alliance Australia
And I want to thank all the staff at the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network who have put so much energy into organising this week’s Forum.
The importance of economic empowerment
Thank you for inviting me to such an important event –
The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network Forum.
For 11 years, this Forum has brought the Indigenous business sector together –
To celebrate the achievements –
Explore opportunities –
Innovate –
And work together.
Tonight, we are moving forward.
Together.
With resilience.
Courage.
And inspiration.
In fact, tonight – and this Forum – is all about courage, self-determination, and confidence.
Because we know, that economic empowerment
Is essential for our self-determination and independence
Over this year, I’ve done a bit of travel around the country.
I’ve been to Indigenous communities across Australia.
I’ve met with community leaders,
Business leaders,
Hardworking Australians from Tasmania to the Top End,
And whenever I saw a thriving and happy community,
There were strong Indigenous businesses.
So I really love the theme of this year’s Forum:
“It’s our Business”
Strong Indigenous businesses can shape communities.
You’re at the forefront of delivering lasting change and creating a different future for our people through economic empowerment.
Through Indigenous business, First Nations people can
- Share their ideas, products and innovations
- Provide jobs for Aboriginal people
- Provide for their families
- Support the wellbeing of communities
- Inspire our young people and the next generation
Indigenous Procurement Strategy
The Commonwealth government recognises that it makes purchasing decisions that can support Indigenous businesses across Australia.
I know that everyone is interested in the Government’s Indigenous Procurement Strategy.
This past financial year alone it generated over $1.5 billion in contracting opportunities for Indigenous businesses.
$1.5 billion – It is a remarkable figure.
It demonstrates the breadth of opportunity that is available for Indigenous enterprise to capitalise on.
While the Policy has significantly increased Indigenous economic participation over the past eight years, we know it is not perfect.
I am committing to supporting Aboriginal businesses.
Since the referendum I have been clear that my immediate focus is listening to Indigenous communities on how best to move forward.
That includes how I will approach reforming the Policy.
To that end I have directed the NIAA to begin consultations shortly with stakeholders on how we can ensure the Policy remains as effective as possible for Indigenous Australians.
A key pillar of that consultation will revolve around defining what is considered an Indigenous business.
There is already clear support from the Indigenous business sector to amend the definition from 50% to 51% Aboriginal owned, managed and controlled.
We will also take a broader look at some of the parameters of the current policy, including:
- Portfolio targets
- Exemptions,
- And other assurances to address broader issues around black cladding.
This consultation process will provide valuable insight into how we can strengthen the Indigenous Procurement Policy through the government’s Buy Australia Plan.
I’ll continue to listen so we can provide the right supports Indigenous businesses need to thrive.
I look forward to having those important conversations with you soon.
Conclusion
It takes a lot of guts to start your own business.
It is hard work.
But you all know a thing or two about hard work.
You know that by doing the hard work to build strong businesses in our communities -
Our communities, our families and future generations will thrive
I’ve seen it up close.
And I know that across the Territory, you’ll do the hard work to power the sector to new heights.
So I hope the Forum this week energises you and inspires you.
The Program showcasing the incredibly diverse nature of Aboriginal businesses
There are so many opportunities out there
I look forward to the bright and prosperous future of the Territory’s Indigenous business sectors.
Thank you all, have a wonderful evening.