Over the past three years, ASC has been supporting Australian businesses and building sovereign industrial capability. The number of Indigenous-owned businesses the company has contracted to deliver services in the past three years has more than doubled, from nine to 22.
“We encourage all Indigenous businesses to consider registering their interest with us, so we learn about their capabilities and seek to identify potential collaboration opportunities," ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley said.
ASC’s spending with Indigenous businesses has increased by 400 per cent in 2024, compared with 2022. Indigenous-owned business Intract Australia was recently contracted to manage structural repairs and remediation works on two pedestrian bridges at ASC’s submarine yard at Henderson, in WA. Intract has employed more than 100 full-time Indigenous employees across Australia.
“Meaningful partnerships with businesses like ASC allow Intract Australia to grow our workforce and capabilities across the country, and this job in WA has allowed us to grow our capability in the West,” Intract Australia National Business Development Manager Luke Taylor stated.
The contract with Intract is worth more than $800,000 and it is the largest contract ever awarded by ASC to an Indigenous supplier.