Overview
Measures under Goal 8
Only one measure under Goal 8 had new data at the time of reporting.
- Measure 8.3.2 Aboriginal businesses that government enters into a purchase agreement with as a proportion of small to medium enterprises government enters into a purchase agreement with
Procurement of goods, services and construction from Aboriginal businesses is important to support economic participation and prosperity for Aboriginal Victorians.
Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 8
The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.
Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally
Not applicable.
Data Note
The following measures rely on datasets that are infrequently collected. No new data was available at the time of reporting.
- Measure 8.1.1a Median household income
- Measure 8.1.1b Median equivalised household income
- Measure 8.1.1c Median personal income
- Measure 8.2.1: Proportion of homeowners versus other tenure types (by age bracket)
- Measure 8.3.1 Number of Victorian business owner-managers who are Aboriginal
Historical data for these measures is available on the First Peoples – State Relations website
8.3 Increase Aboriginal business ownership and support Aboriginal entrepreneurs
Measure 8.3.2 Aboriginal businesses that government enters into a purchase agreement with as a proportion of small to medium enterprises government enters into a purchase agreement with
In 2023-24, 0.2 per cent of Victorian government purchase agreements were with Aboriginal businesses. This procurement represented 113 Aboriginal businesses receiving a combined total of $51.3 million. When looking at procurement over the long term the Victorian Government is spending more money with Aboriginal businesses than in 2020-21 and 2021-22 combined.
In 2022–23 there was a refinement to the reporting criteria for identifying Aboriginal businesses in scope for the reporting period to align it to the Social Procurement Framework (SPF). The SPF establishes requirements that apply to Victorian Government departments and agencies when they procure goods, services and construction. ‘Opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal people’ and ‘Sustainable Victorian social enterprise and Aboriginal business sectors’ are objectives in the SPF and seek the following outcomes:
- Purchasing from Victorian Aboriginal businesses
- Employment of Victorian Aboriginal people by suppliers to the Victorian Government
- Purchasing from Victorian social enterprises.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
Regional Development Victoria has partnered with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) on the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project. The name 'Nyaal Banyul, meaning 'open your eyes to the hills', was gifted by WTOAC, inspired by a project narrative crafted by WTOAC about baierr, the Wadawurrung term for what many know as corrobboree.
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will include the construction of the purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1,000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. Partnership with WTOAC has involved a thorough co-design process from the project's early stages, including establishing a set of design principles to guide the project team, ensuring that our goals and ambitions align strongly with the WTOAC's 'Caring for Country' plan. WTOAC engaged in an interactive tender process with potential consortium partners and organised a 'walk on Country' to highlight the project's connection to the land, while also fostering awareness and educating the site workforce about the Traditional Owners and the site's history.
All approvals were obtained in late 2023, and main construction works began in early 2024. Nyaal Banyul has set an Aboriginal Victorian business spending target of at least 1 per cent of total construction cost and employment targets for Aboriginal Victorians of at least 1 per cent of total hours worked. Several First Peoples candidates have also participated in the project’s bespoke trainee and apprenticeship program.
Upgrade infrastructure and the nature reserve at Tower Hill near Warrnambool
Regional Development Victoria has partnered with Parks Victoria who engaged with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) to upgrade infrastructure and the nature reserve at Tower Hill near Warrnambool. The $6.7 million project was completed in 2024 and includes conservation works for the Robin Boyd-designed visitor centre and upgrades to amenities including enhanced trails, a new viewing platform and signage to celebrate Eastern Maar’s connection to Koroitj – a significant Aboriginal cultural site. An upgraded dance ground with a new shelter that will support cultural events and celebrations by Traditional Owner communities has also been completed.
The upgraded visitor centre and cultural event infrastructure will provide economic opportunities for Traditional Owners as well as employment and skill opportunities through the visitor centre. Collaboration with EMAC on the project included aligning the project scope to best support future management of the reserve. The project also included EMAC representation in decision-making, site visits, and cultural heritage protection. EMAC were also engaged on the development of the dance ground and interpretive materials.
Opportunity and Prosperity
Fully participating in the economy provides Aboriginal Victorians with the resources they need to determine the future they want. Economic participation is key to Aboriginal self-determination.
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