First Nations Telegraph

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson attended the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in Tamworth on Thursday evening to support the growth of the NSW Aboriginal Economy by connecting Aboriginal businesses with government buyers and major suppliers.

 

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the ‘Meet the Buyer’ events were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Aboriginal business sector, in particular through the Aboriginal Procurement Policy.

 

“Last financial year the NSW Government spent more than $173 million directly with Aboriginal businesses, almost doubling the $92 million spent with Aboriginal businesses over 2019-20. We want to see this grow even more.

 

“If you are an Aboriginal business owner in the region, I strongly encourage you to attend to discuss opportunities to supply to the NSW Government and other major suppliers and head contractors.

 

As well as Government’s commitment to buy directly from Aboriginal businesses,  its large projects present many opportunities to support the sustainable growth of Aboriginal businesses through sub‑contracting on larger NSW Government contracts, employment of Aboriginal people or building capability and capacity in the Aboriginal business sector.

 

Mr Anderson said Aboriginal businesses in the Tamworth Region had the local knowledge, skills and experience to work with the government to grow the local economy.

 

“Whether it’s in Gunnedah, Tamworth or one of our smaller towns, the local Aboriginal business community is growing and it’s great to see more than 60 people signing up for this event. The NSW Government is committed to working with these businesses to increase the size and strength of the local Aboriginal economy.”

 

Steven Fordham, Managing Director of Blackrock Industries, a 100 per cent owned and run Aboriginal business, said the Hunter and New England Regions are bustling with Aboriginal Businesses.

 

“My team do a great job and events such as this are a unique opportunity for us to build on our success. I urge businesses like mine to come along and meet the right people in government”.

 

The Tamworth is the third of five events with Dubbo (3 May) and Wagga Wagga (11 May) to host events next month. Events have already been held in Nowra and Newcastle.

 

Aboriginal businesses, Government representatives and other major suppliers who would like to connect at these events can register at Aboriginal Businesses Meet the Buyer event | buy.nsw