The Western Australian (WA) Government has revealed it awarded more than $442 million in contracts to Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses under its Aboriginal Procurement Policy during the 2024-25 financial year.
This marks an increase from the previous year’s $439 million spend – with 383 contracts engaging over 158 businesses across the state – representing 6.82 percent of all contracts and exceeding the Government’s four percent target.
The Department of Communities ($190 million spend across 32 contracts), Main Roads WA ($102 million spend across 74 contracts) and Department of Education ($25 million spend across 60 contracts) topped the list, while the Kimberley and Pilbara came out on top across the regions.
Over the last six years, WA’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy has seen Aboriginal businesses secure more than $1.8 billion in government procurement contracts.
Finance Minister David Michael said the WA Government takes great pride in the ongoing success of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy, especially the progress made over the past financial year.
“With more than $440 million in contracts awarded to Aboriginal suppliers, the policy is delivering real and lasting benefits to participants and supporting communities across regional Western Australia,” he said.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch shared Michael’s enthusiasm and said he was proud to be part of a government that is committed to Aboriginal participation.
“I’m thrilled that Aboriginal businesses in regional areas of our state have been some of the biggest beneficiaries,” he said.
“This news also highlights the outstanding entrepreneurial drive, business savvy and professionalism of Aboriginal people across our great state.”
