Page 257 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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certain circumstances, as I have explained, and also enable us to improve our reporting and review mechanisms.
These mechanisms will ensure that the aims of the policy are being achieved, with realistic targets for performance with a view to increasing these aims as the policy matures, and with a very clear understanding of some of the pitfalls that have been identified by other governments when they have implemented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement policies. We have certainly been learning the lessons from other jurisdictions.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what consultation has the government undertaken to date on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement policy?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. One of the key aspects of any discussion or policy concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is, of course, the principle of self-determination. It is an important part of the development of any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, and that includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement policy.
The initial development of the policy was informed by close consultation, including valuable input from the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Katrina Fanning. In the latter part of 2018 ACT government officials invited a number of key stakeholders to one-one-one consultations to provide feedback on what was then the draft policy.
Written submissions were also invited from a number of important organisations, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Supply Nation, Canberra Indigenous Business Network, Indigenous Business Australia, Canberra Business Chamber, and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services. The feedback sessions were incredibly useful, and many of the organisations have indicated an interest to continue discussions as the policy continues to be developed during the course of public consultations and as we implement the policy into the future.
Public consultations on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement policy are now open on your say. This consultation was launched on 31 January. A workshop will be held with interested parties tomorrow, and the consultation closes on 17 February. I look forward to the outcomes of that public consultation, which will help to inform and shape the policy further. The policy will be finalised as soon as possible after that.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, what else is the government doing to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and controlled enterprises in the ACT?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cheyne for the supplementary question. At the 2016 election ACT Labor recognised the importance of encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled enterprises and organisations in the ACT. In the 2017-18 budget we committed $100,000 over four years to deliver the new and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation support program.
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