NSWALC to deliver Indigenous Business Hub in Western Sydney

12 February 2018 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today used his third Closing the Gap statement to announce a partnership between the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Federal Government to design and deliver the first Indigenous Business Hub in Western Sydney.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said the Indigenous Business Hub formed a major plank of the Australian Government's Western Sydney City Deal, which will build on record infrastructure investment in the region including the new airport.

"This is a great vote of confidence in the NSW Aboriginal Land Council to lead efforts to generate economic development and jobs for Aboriginal people in Western Sydney.

"The Western Sydney City Deal provides major opportunities for infrastructure development and is set to transform the economic potential of the region.

"Western Sydney is projected to grow by more than 1 million people over the next 20 years so the potential for Aboriginal businesses and job seekers to benefit from this activity is massive.

"Recent data has shown that the Federal Government's Indigenous Procurement Policy can contribute to the growth of businesses and the value of contracts being awarded to Indigenous businesses. We want to fully realise this potential in Western Sydney."

Cr Ah-See said the NSW Aboriginal Land Council - the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in Australia - was well-positioned to take advantage of new economic opportunities.

He said the Indigenous Business Hub would be a State-wide asset for Local Aboriginal Land Councils, its members and Aboriginal people.

"Under our new Strategic Plan, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has committed itself whole-heartedly to an ambitious program of economic development geared at generating jobs and training for Aboriginal people.

"The best way to close the gap in health, education and other indicators is through self-determination and economic independence.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is ready to take a leading role to ensure Aboriginal businesses and people gain a larger share of Australia's largest economy."