The 2018 Commonwealth Games, held in Gold Coast, Australia, implemented a Reconciliation Action Plan to guide efforts to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and heritage and advance outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The community engagement process began more than three years before the Games and also included a commitment to continue to engage and provide updates on the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Based on a commitment to respectful engagement with local stakeholders and the development of key relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Plan included efforts to provide employment and procurement opportunities. The state government and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation committed to:
- Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to secure employment and training outcomes on the Commonwealth Games Village.
- Promote supply chain strategies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment through contract opportunities.
- Develop at least six commercial relationships (either directly or via sub contract) with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses each year.
Strategies and initiatives undertaken during the procurement and tendering process included workshops, mentoring opportunities and platforms for Indigenous businesses to meet with prime contractors to showcase their businesses and capabilities and receive support on key contractual priorities. The Games generated more than $14 million (AUD) in contracts and other additional revenue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, with procurement activities involving recycling and waste management, civil works, design services, and workforce-related categories.
Source: Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, Cultural and Indigenous Research Centre Australia
