The Australian Government is seeking to increase Indigenous employment, training and supplier opportunities through changes to procurement policies.

Announced by Federal Minster for Employment Participation Mark Arbib, the enhanced Indigenous Opportunities Policy will provide Indigenous communities with greater opportunites to engage in Government procurement projects delivered in their area.

From July 1, tenders for Government projects worth more than $5 million and $6 million for construction projects, in regons with significant Indigenous populations must include plans for employment and training of local Indigenous people and procurement of Indigenous suppliers.

Senator Arbib said the changes formed part of the Government’s strategy to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage and halving Indigenous unemployment within a decade.

He said policy guidelines will be made available to all Commonwealth Government offices before July.

The policy will be fully implemented by the end of the year.