Melbourne Water Pathways Program participants
Another progressive social procurement initiative is focused on lifting the level of indigenous participation within the construction industry . “ Due to the pressures of recent history we just don ’ t see enough indigenous workers in the mainstream workforce ,” notes Kelly . “ We ’ re trying to promote new pathways by supporting AquaMetro Services with the creation of a 100 % indigenous subcontractor . We will assist with schooling and training to enhance their capabilities so they can start their own business and operate as an independent contractor . This will provide a safer , more trusting environment to bring young indigenous graduates through the system , and – as part of our long-term initiative – hopefully put them through college to give them a future in their chosen discipline within the construction industry , whether that ’ s civil , electrical or mechanical .”
AquaMetro ’ s Director , Marcus Wade believes that every organisation , regardless of scope , has the power to make a difference to the world around it . “ Social responsibility is integrated into our business model ,” he says . “ To us it means fulfilling our duties and responsibility towards society especially the Traditional Owners Of the Country Australia . We are deeply invested in the financial success and economic independence of Indigenous Australians .”
Melbourne Water has incorporated a number of social procurement KPIs into its new framework agreements . “ the more entities that are actually driving in the same direction , the more successful we ’ re going to be ,” says Kelly . “ Our contractors realise they need to contribute also . It ’ s proven now that the more diverse your workforce , the more successful you ’ re going to be and the more we reflect the make-up of our communities , the more we can
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