Oil and gas sector urged to boost Indigenous business links

Australia’s oil and gas sector is being encouraged to strengthen its engagement with Indigenous businesses.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib today addressed industry representatives at an Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) function in Perth.

Senator Arbib said building a direct link with Indigenous-owned businesses was vital for sustainable economic development and growth, particularly in rural and regional Australia.

“To close the gap on Indigenous employment all Australians need to work together – Federal, State and Territory Governments, the public and private sectors and Australia’s Indigenous communities,” Senator Arbib said.

“The Government is committed to working closely with APPEA members to increase Indigenous employment in their organisations and provide opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses to become part of their supply chains.

“With Western Australia likely to experience skill shortages as mining ramps up it is vital that businesses in the petroleum production and exploration sector continue to train and employ Indigenous workers.”

Senator Arbib encouraged APPEA members to use the services of the successful Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC).

“AIMSC was set up to link some of Australia’s biggest corporations with Indigenous suppliers. It has facilitated almost $9 million in contracts and $4.5 million in transactions between members and certified suppliers in just 18 months of operation,” Senator Arbib said. 

“Growing the Indigenous business sector is a vital part of the Gillard Government’s strategy to support Indigenous economic development.  Currently AIMSC has 76 Indigenous suppliers and 62 corporate and government members.

“Corporations that are serious about having Indigenous businesses in their supply chain should take up the opportunity to sign up with AIMSC.

“Already some of Australian’s largest businesses have become members of AIMSC including the Commonwealth Bank, Australia Post, Westpac, IBM, Foxtel, Wesfarmers, Telstra and Corporate Express.”

Senator Arbib said the Gillard Government had provided $3 million funding for AIMSC through the Indigenous Employment Program and was part of the Australian Government's commitment to close the gap on Indigenous employment.

reff:australia.gov.au