Aboriginal workforce targets ahead of schedule

The WA Government says it has surpassed a significant target of increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples within the State’s transport infrastructure program.

Targets developed to build the capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses and employees were set by the State Government in October 2021, with the first target of $700 million of works undertaken by Aboriginal businesses achieved in December 2024.

“It’s brilliant to see so many new and established Aboriginal owned businesses maximising the incredible opportunities available across the State’s transport infrastructure projects,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

The second target of 3.5 million hours worked by Aboriginal peoples, directly engaged by portfolio agencies or indirectly through contractors, has now also been achieved, with 3,632,484.18 hours worked by Aboriginal peoples to date, representing nearly 8 per cent of all hours worked across the Transport portfolio’s major infrastructure projects.

The Transport portfolio continues to drive growth across the Aboriginal business sector and provide employment pathways for Aboriginal peoples to positively impact economic development and social outcomes for the Aboriginal businesses and communities.

New targets will be announced in due course with the Transport portfolio remaining committed to removing barriers and providing support to encourage participation by Aboriginal suppliers and employees through initiatives including:

• partnerships and collaboration with Aboriginal corporations and the Aboriginal business industry
• consultation with Aboriginal businesses and organisations during development of relevant strategies and policies
• building respect and awareness across cultures for positive change and inclusive workplaces