Procurement
Disability services the next frontier for procurement policies
Amy Clark, Our Voice Australia / Activ Action Team
After Activ Foundation announced the closure of its large-scale industrial worksites last year, WA’s largest disability employers rallied around the 755 jobseekers — passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic workers first, and individuals with moderate-to-significant disability second.
Against funding challenges, policy uncertainty, and economic headwinds, our disability enterprises stepped up to create employment opportunities for these workers, safeguarding the social and economic participation of a group among the most disadvantaged in our labour force.
As we move forward, it’s time for our State to be in total lockstep. For our Government, industry, and community to invest long-term in the Activ workforce. To act alongside WS’s disability enterprises and build on the momentum they have created, carrying it forward throughout the next decade and beyond. Through strong policy and partnerships, we can turn a better future for these employees into an even brighter one.
Last year, the State and Commonwealth governments made a tremendous commitment to the Activ workers — providing the funding and resources needed to safeguard choice and control over employment outcomes. Off the high of Workpower acquiring all seven industrial worksites, one can’t help but channel that optimism towards picturing what could come next.
If our State Government backed the supported workforce through a dedicated procurement policy, it’s easy to imagine how promising the prospects would be three years from now. Back in 2018, the Government phased-in minimum contracting targets for Aboriginal businesses. Hugely successful, the cumulative value of the policy now sits at around half a billion dollars in contracts. New employment opportunities have been created, enterprise resilience and capacity has grown considerably, and the private sector has followed suit.
Here is a proven lever to bolster jobs and skills, sitting right at the State Government’s fingertips. With buying power at an all-time high, let’s pull it and establish frameworks which drive agencies to further commit to our supported workforce and the disability enterprises which employ them.
Of course, businesses can lead the way and champion the supported workforce without the State Government setting the example. Many already are — purchasing goods and services from disability enterprises and partnering with them to create new training and employment pathways. Actions that spearhead diversity and inclusion in society, while making a genuine difference in the lives of people with significant disabilities.
Given supply chain diversification is a State and national priority, there’s a shining window of opportunity to thread our local supported workforce into the fabric of Australia’s economy. By promoting, harnessing, and cultivating the skills and capabilities of the workforce today, we can embed them into the industries of tomorrow.
The Government could ignite that engine room by identifying and fostering synergies between the supported workforce and Western Australia’s priority sectors. There is vast potential in tying industry development grants programs to disability procurement and employment outcomes.
Drawing on a long, successful history servicing mining companies, the supported workforce is well positioned to underpin WA’s nascent battery and critical minerals industry. To ensure that capability is tapped into, funding from the Critical Minerals Development Program could come with targets and requirements for using disability enterprises.
Now is when the State Government can seize the moment and engage in structured, ongoing collaboration with industry to identify and foster these new job opportunities — across mining, renewable energy, defence, space, health, and agriculture. Wouldn’t it be incredible if WA’s vision for a stronger, more diverse economy had all members of our community firmly in sight.
As the Activ workers look ahead to new employment opportunities and pathways, let’s hope our government and business leaders continue to stand behind them. After all, the supported workforce is incredibly proud of the work they do — WA should be too.
As published in The West Australian | Wednesday, 29 March 2023