The first Indigenous Training, Employment and Supplier Plan has been approved under the Federal Government’s enhanced Indigenous Opportunities Policy (IOP).

 

The enhanced IOP is part of the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage, aiming to halve the gap in Indigenous unemployment within a decade.

 

From 1 July 2011, in regions with a significant Indigenous population, tenderers for Government contracts over $5 million ($6 million for construction projects), will need approved plans for employing and training local Indigenous people and for using Indigenous suppliers.

 

The Government has also re-issued the Indigenous Opportunities Policy guidelines which now specify the transition date for the shift from 50 per cent ownership to 51 per cent ownership in relation to the definition of an Indigenous business.

 

IOP Information sessions will be held in the second half of April and throughout May. Further information and IOP guidelines can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/iop.