- New five-year targets to boost Aboriginal participation in WA infrastructure
- Government sets new Aboriginal business and employment targets for transport and major infrastructure projects from 2026 to 2031
- Target to award $1 billion in contract value to Aboriginal businesses over five years
- New measures will drive stronger Aboriginal economic participation across major infrastructure and transport projects
The Cook Labor Government is setting ambitious new five-year Aboriginal procurement and employment targets to ensure Aboriginal businesses and workers continue to share in Western Australia’s strong economic growth.
The new targets include:
- $1 billion, or 6 per cent of total procurement spend across State Government transport and major infrastructure projects, will be directed to Aboriginal businesses; and
- Aboriginal employment of 5 per cent for direct hours worked and 7 per cent for indirect hours worked will be achieved across transport and major infrastructure State Government projects.
The targets build on the success of previous initiatives that have resulted in Aboriginal businesses securing a growing share of government work and Aboriginal employment outcomes continuing to improve across major transport projects.
Since the introduction of earlier targets, more Aboriginal businesses have been supported to enter and expand within government supply chains, while hundreds of Aboriginal peoples in Western Australia have gained employment and skills across construction, maintenance and related industries.
The new targets will help boost the number of capable, qualified businesses and workers across WA that can deliver transport and major infrastructure projects, supporting the creation of sustainable jobs and clear career pathways.
As stated by Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This $1 billion goal shows the Cook Labor Government’s determination to ensure Aboriginal businesses benefit directly from Western Australia’s economic growth.
“The strong results already achieved – including meeting the previous five-year targets ahead of schedule – demonstrate the dedication and commitment of our transport and major infrastructure agencies in using our record infrastructure program to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.
“These targets are about more than procurement – they’re about creating real job opportunities, building skills, and supporting long-term career pathways for Aboriginal peoples in Western Australia.
“By setting clear, ambitious goals, we are embedding Aboriginal participation across our major projects and helping drive lasting economic outcomes for communities across the State.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
“By creating stronger pathways into government supply chains and major projects, we are supporting practical outcomes that build capability, employment and long-term economic independence for Aboriginal people and communities.
“Every contract awarded to an Aboriginal-owned business contributes to stronger communities and a stronger economy, supporting jobs, capability development, and long-term opportunities for future generations.”
