Black Cladding and Aboriginal Procurement Awareness Program
Addressing Black Cladding in Indigenous Business Practices
Black cladding, or “Blak Cladding,” is a term used to describe practices where companies superficially associate with Indigenous culture or businesses to meet procurement targets or comply with diversity policies, without genuinely engaging or benefiting Indigenous communities. This undermines the integrity of Indigenous businesses and misleads stakeholders, eroding trust and equity in the marketplace.
Understanding the Problem
Blak Cladding manifests in various ways, such as misrepresenting business ownership or overstating cultural affiliations to gain access to procurement opportunities intended for genuine Indigenous enterprises. Such practices often prioritize appearances over substance, resulting in limited real-world benefits for Indigenous communities. These actions not only distort fair competition but also hinder authentic Indigenous businesses from accessing opportunities designed to empower them.
Empowering Indigenous Business: The Importance of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
The Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) represents a transformative step towards equitable procurement practices within New South Wales. Launched by the NSW Government, the policy aims to stimulate Indigenous entrepreneurship, economic participation, and business growth by mandating state government agencies to procure goods and services from Aboriginal-owned businesses. This policy is crucial as it not only drives growth within the local Indigenous economy but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse supply chain. Through initiatives like the APP, we are able to support the creation of sustainable job opportunities and economic independence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At NSWICC, we stand committed to guiding and supporting our members to maximise the opportunities presented by the Aboriginal Procurement Policy.
About this Program
This new training program is designed to enhance understanding and maximise the effective application of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP). It aims to safeguard the integrity of Indigenous procurement by addressing and eliminating the risks associated with engaging black-cladded businesses within government and industry supply chains.
Duration: July 2024 – June 2026
Who is this for:
- Indigenous Businesses who have experienced black cladding and buyers not understanding the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
- Government and Industry procurement professionals who have experienced black cladded businesses
- Government departments who would like to get a better understanding of black cladding and the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
- Private businesses and organisations who would like to get a better understanding of black cladding and the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
How to be involved:
If you are an Indigenous Business or Government department, Private Business or procurement professional who fits into one of the above we would love to hear from you.
Please head to www.buyingoncountry.com.au and fill in the questionnaire and we will be in contact.
You can also contact the NSWICC via [email protected] to learn more
This program is powered by the NSWICC and by Aboriginal Affairs NSW
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