Big business adds jobs to Voice

The lobby group for big business has backed up its support for a Voice to Parliament by disclosing its members have substantially boosted their Indigenous employment and procurement.

The Business Council of Australia said its member companies employ more than 20,000 Indigenous Australians (see more below).

Its member companies also spend just over $1 billion with Indigenous businesses each year.

That is up from $690 million four years ago.

It noted that 43 member companies have joined its Raising the Bar initiative, which aims to increase procurement spending with Indigenous businesses and suppliers.

The BCA board, which is chaired by Potential Capital boss Tim Reed, reaffirmed its support for the Voice.

“The BCA is strongly committed to the empowerment of Indigenous Australians and the creation of opportunities for full participation in the Australian economy.

“This is why the BCA supports recognition of Indigenous Australians in Australia’s Constitution and a Voice to Parliament because all Australians should have the opportunity to fully participate in the fabric of Australian society.

“The Voice will help amplify the views of Indigenous communities, ensuring they are heard.”

It also claimed the Voice will provide a platform to strengthen practical partnerships between Indigenous communities and business.

The BCA board includes several people and companies that have actively supported the Yes campaign for.

It includes Wesfarmers’ boss Rob Scott and BHP chief Mike Henry – both companies have donated $2 million to the Yes campaign.

It also includes Gilbert + Tobin managing partner Danny Gilbert, who is co-chair of Yes23, a group established specifically to campaign for constitutional recognition.

The board members at Yes23 include Wesfarmers chair Michael Chaney.

Meanwhile, a detailed breakdown of the BCA’s Indigenous employment data shows a variable contribution.

Woolworths Group is listed as the biggest employer, with 4,500 Indigenous workers, which equates to 2.4 per cent of its Australian workforce.

Perth-based Wesfarmers, which owns Bunnings and other retail chains, fares better on this measure.

It employs 3,600 Indigenous Australians, which equates to 3.3 per cent of its workforce – in line with Indigenous Australians’ share of the national population.

Indigenous employment is proportionately much more significant for the big mining companies in WA.

BHP has 2,445 Indigenous workers, which equates to 8 per cent of its workforce.

The big miners also lead the way on procurement.

Rio Tinto spent $504 million with 105 Indigenous businesses in Western Australia in 2022, up about 40 per cent on the prior year while BHP spent $158 million.

Fortescue Metals Group, which is not a member of the Business Council, purchased $452 million of goods and services from Aboriginal businesses in the year to June 2022.

Fortescue has traditionally been by far the largest supporter of Aboriginal businesses, having awarded $4 billion worth of contracts over the past 11 years.