Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, provided this speech for Supply Nation's Connect conference in Boorloo / Perth, Tuesday morning.
Hello, everyone. It's Malarndirri McCarthy here, coming to you from the lands of the Larrakia people.
As a proud Yanyuwa woman, I acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.
First Nations businesses are some of the most dynamic and resilient parts of Australia's economy. You are driving employment, innovation, skills development, and opportunity across every sector, including construction, digital technology, creative industries, renewable energy, and much more. Your work is creating sustainable, positive change, not only for Indigenous peoples but for all Australians.
When I speak with First Nations business owners, whether they are working in remote Australia or in our cities, a consistent theme emerges: a strong drive to build something meaningful for our families and communities, your desire to succeed and grow is matched by a deep commitment to giving back, to community, to culture, and to the next generation.
The Albanese Labor Government recognises this contribution and is committed to supporting the economic empowerment of First Nations people.
In April, I announced a further $20.5 million investment to extend support for First Nations businesses through Indigenous business and employment hubs located in Perth, as well as in Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Alice Springs. These hubs provide tailored support to First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Since 2018, the hubs have supported more than 3,000 businesses to start and strengthen their business journey.
We're also increasing the ambition of the Indigenous procurement policy and ensuring economic benefits of the IPP are genuinely flowing to First Nations people as intended.
By moving to a 51 per cent ownership and control requirement, we are backing First Nations entrepreneurs to exercise full authority over their businesses, together we will keep advancing economic empowerment and greater self-determination for our people.
The conversations taking place at your event this week will help shape future success and drive long-term economic and social impact.
I wish you all the best, and a big congratulations to all the finalists in the Supplier Diversity Awards.
