Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council

The new Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) was launched in Canberra on 15 September 2009 by The Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and The Hon Senator Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Government Service Delivery.

The AIMSCis inspired by similar successful models in the US, Canada and the UK. The Federal Government is investing $3m to pilot the AIMSC over the next three years, with the aim of building strong commercial relationships between indigenous businesses and corporations who are registered with the AIMSC.

Thirty-one Australian corporations have signed up for the programme at the time of launch.

The determination and commitment of Michael McLeod and Dug Russell from Message Stick made the creation of this Australian supplier council a reality.

Overseas experience has shown that an organisation such as the AIMSC has the potential to boost indigenous business partnerships and create sustainable jobs for indigenous Australians.

WorkVentures is an affiliate of AIMSC and will support the success of this pilot.