- Strengthening Aboriginal-led organisations to create jobs, grow services and support thriving regional communities
- Driving economic participation and better community outcomes through stronger Aboriginal leadership and local decision-making
- Part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and community leadership
The Cook Labor Government is supporting a new initiative to strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), helping them expand their services and create more opportunities for Aboriginal people and regionalcommunities.
The ACCO Transition Pipeline was developed in response to priorities identified through the Yamatji On-Country Call to Action Statement in 2025 and is a key initiative under the WA Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2026-28.
The Closing the Gap Implementation Plan allocates $5.8 million to establish the program which will support ACCOs to build the capability required for sustainable, long-term service delivery across human services sectors.
Delivered in partnership with the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA), the initiative will help ACCOs strengthen governance, build workforce capability and develop the systems needed to take on future service delivery opportunities and increase Aboriginal participation in the delivery of government-funded services.
The investment reflects the important role Aboriginal leadership, economic participation and community development play in the long-term prosperity of regional Western Australia.
By supporting stronger Aboriginal-led organisations, the initiative will help create local jobs, build organisational readiness and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for Aboriginal people and their communities.
The first phase of the project will map existing government contracts, assess organisational readiness and identify opportunities for ACCOs to expand their services.
The second phase will pilot an ACCO Strengthening Program, providing practical support in areas including service design, strategic planning, governance, and partnership development.
The ACCO Transition Pipeline complements the Cook Labor Government’s broader reform agenda, including the Aboriginal Expenditure Review and Aboriginal Business Development Program.
By creating more opportunities for Aboriginal people to design and deliver services for their communities, the initiative will advance self-determination, strengthen local leadership and support the long-term prosperity of Western Australia.
As stated by Finance Minister David Michael:
“This investment will help Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations build the readiness and confidence needed to participate in future commissioning opportunities.
“Strong Aboriginal-led organisations are critical to delivering services that reflect local priorities and achieve better outcomes for communities.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
“Aboriginal leadership, economic participation and community development are vital to the future of regional Western Australia.
“This initiative will help ACCOs build the skills, systems and confidence needed to grow their services, take on new opportunities and create lasting social and economic benefits in the Mid West, Gascoyne and beyond.
“It’s about supporting Aboriginal organisations to build strong foundations today so they can continue delivering for their communities into the future.
“This initiative responds directly to priorities identified by Aboriginal leaders and will help ensure Aboriginal organisations are well placed to deliver services and opportunities for regional communities into the future.”
As stated by Council of Aboriginal Services WA chairperson Chris Bin Kali:
“We need to stop talking about building ACCO capacity and start talking about scaling ACCOs for success.
“Aboriginal organisations across the regions are already delivering. What they have not had is contracts long enough and large enough to be able to scale their operations. That is what this project has to change.”
