Aboriginal Economical Development
The State Government is committed to assisting Indigenous people to achieve increased economic independence by building on an already impressive record of endeavour and success in the establishment and operation of business enterprises.
Page Index
Aboriginal Economic Development Information Booklet
Indigenous Economic Support Scheme
WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee
Our Role
The Department of Industry and Resources' Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) division works to increase the economic independence of Aboriginal people by supporting the establishment and development of sustainable economic development.
AED's role is to:
- Encourage and respond to indigenous economic development strategies
- Identify opportunities for indigenous businesses
- Assist indigenous people to develop enterprises
- Initiate strategies for indigenous economic development
Aboriginal Economic Development Information Booklet
This booklet, produced by the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), provides an informative and comprehensive guide to its services and projects.
It describes DoIR's key services which are driven by three priority outcomes:
- Fostering opportunities for business development;
- Building investment and asset ownership; and
- Growing sustainable employment for Indigenous people.
The booklet (available in the right hand pane) also showcases some of the department's most outstanding achievements through case studies and gives an extensive list of its clients throughout the State.
Indigenous Economic Support Scheme
The objective of the Indigenous Economic Support Scheme is improved economic independence amongst Indigenous people through planning and developing sustainable Indigenous enterprises and by supporting industry initiatives that enhance these enterprises.
Further information is available in the Programs, Awards and Grants section.
WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee
The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC) was established in October 2000. This initiative arose out of the Inaugural National Indigenous Tourism Forum which was held in Sydney in June 2000.
WAITOC believes that Indigenous Tourism is a fairly unique industry in that it allows Indigenous people to participate at a real and meaningful level while still maintaining and valuing their cultural heritage.
WAITOC is an autonomous committee comprising representatives from the ATSIC regions within Western Australia (WA) and to provide advice and information to all relevant State Government agencies.
WAITOC also has a role in assisting the development of a dynamic Indigenous Tourism Industry sector in Western Australia by helping existing and emerging Indigenous Tourism Operators. WAITOC meets four times per year.
These meetings are followed Government and Industry Liaison Committee on Indigenous Tourism (GILCIT) meetings where the Chairperson provides Government and industry representatives with an overview of the current status of Indigenous Tourism.
Key WAITOC initiatives include:
- WAITOC website - ongoing maintenance
- Accreditation
- Indigenous tourism profile
- Information technology and communication
- Workshops/forums
The WAITOC website (http://www.waitoc.com/) provides:
- A networking tool for committee members to discuss issues, distribute minutes, agenda and working papers
- A central point for emerging Indigenous tourism operators to access information on finance, assistance programs, industry bodies and seek advice from existing operators
- A mechanism to promote Indigenous tourism to State and National government agencies as well as the mainstream tourism industry
- An effective way to promote Indigenous tourism to the interested tourist (local, national and international)
Aboriginal Tourism Development Strategy
Using a whole-of-government approach (involving WAITOC and nine key agencies), a strategy designed to boost the Western Australian Indigenous tourism industry and increase employment opportunities for Aboriginals has been developed.
Consultation was also held with Aboriginal groups, individuals and the tourism industry.
This strategy was open for public comment followed by public consultation workshops throughout Western Australia.
listening looking learning: An Aboriginal Tourism Strategy for Western Australia 2006-2010 can be download from the Tourism WA website.
Aboriginal Economic Development E-News
The Department of Industry and Resources welcomes all its valued colleagues and friends as readers of our inaugural Newsletter "AED E-News".
The department's mission is to promote and support leadership and innovation in Aboriginal economic development. We aim to achieve this by: Identifying sustainable business and employment opportunities; assisting Indigenous people to develop enterprises and working cooperatively with the private sector, as well as State and Federal agencies to provide a comprehensive range of planning, enterprise and employment development services.
AED E-News will keep you up to date about the projects, strategies, events and initiatives which are part of the department's mission.
The past 3 editions are available in the right hand pane.
To subscribe to AED E-News, please email: aed@doir.wa.gov.au.
