ASC Boosts Indigenous Business Support, Contracts Doubled in Three Years

ASC, the Australian company, has significantly enhanced its support for Indigenous businesses over the past three years, aiming to boost local employment opportunities and foster domestic industrial capability. Recent data reveals a notable surge in ASC’s engagement with Indigenous-owned enterprises, with the number of contracted businesses more than doubling from nine to 22 within the same period. Moreover, ASC’s expenditure on Indigenous businesses soared by a remarkable 400% in 2024 compared to 2022.

In a groundbreaking move, Intract Australia, an Indigenous-owned business employing over 100 Indigenous individuals nationwide, secured a substantial contract to oversee structural repairs and remediation works on two pedestrian bridges at ASC’s submarine yard in Henderson, Western Australia. This contract, valued at over $800,000, marks the largest ever awarded by ASC to an Indigenous supplier.

ASC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Whiley, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to nurturing local employment and advancing Australian industrial capabilities. Whiley encouraged Indigenous businesses keen on collaborating with ASC to register through the company’s Sovereign Supply Chain Hub. This platform serves as a central hub for Australian small-to-medium enterprises interested in participating in the Collins Class sustainment program and future initiatives.

Luke Taylor, the National Business Development Manager at Intract Australia, underscored the significance of partnerships with entities like ASC in expanding their workforce and operational capacities across the country. Taylor highlighted the positive impact of the project in Western Australia on enhancing their capabilities in the region.

The surge in ASC’s engagement with Indigenous businesses signifies a strategic move towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse business ecosystem in Australia. By actively seeking collaborations with Indigenous enterprises, ASC is not only driving economic growth within these communities but also leveraging their unique expertise and perspectives to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of its operations.

In conclusion, ASC’s proactive approach to supporting Indigenous businesses reflects a broader trend in the business landscape towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and local economic development. By championing Indigenous entrepreneurship and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, ASC is not only enriching its own supply chain but also contributing to the empowerment and prosperity of Indigenous communities across Australia.