The Morrison Government is encouraging all Australians to celebrate Indigenous Business Month this October by discovering the untapped potential of Indigenous businesses across our communities.

The 2021 theme ‘Powering the Indigenous Economy’ aims to promote strong networks among Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged residents to search Australia’s leading database for verified Indigenous businesses, Supply Nation, to find local businesses to support.

“Indigenous Business Month is about embracing a more inclusive, sustainable Australian economy – one that celebrates local culture and entrepreneurialism.”

“From construction to arts and entertainment, I encourage people in Bonner to reach out and support local Indigenous businesses or go to the Supply Nation website and search the more than 500 registered businesses listed.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said supporting Indigenous businesses creates jobs and a more sustainable economy.

“Backing Indigenous businesses will not only improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s going to be key to the overall economic success of our country as we bounce back from COVID-19.

“This is an opportunity to examine our business-to-business supply chains, broaden our networks and, as consumers, support local jobs and Indigenous wealth creation.

“Congratulations to the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program for launching this powerful initiative, now in its seventh year.”

Visit www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au for more information or supplynation.org.au to search for Indigenous businesses.

The Morrison Government is supporting Tingalpa based company Crystalaid to tap into international space supply chains and create new Australian jobs as part of the $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.

Crystalaid will receive $538,882 under the latest Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants program to improve their technical capabilities. This is on top of $461,118 awarded to them earlier this year as part of the second round of the grants program, representing a total investment of $1 million.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Crystalaid will use this critical funding to replace and modernise their vacuum oven technology by working alongside industry leaders and research partners.

“This project is a great example of the innovation and ingenuity that exists in our Bonner community. Crystalaid is doing revolutionary work in the space industry and I congratulate them on such an outstanding initiative,” Mr Vasta said.

“By securing this funding, we are backing Crystalaid so they can meet new supply chain opportunities, create more local jobs and deliver opportunities for skilled workers. All of which are key to strengthening Australia’s space manufacturing sector.

“I am very proud to support the ongoing successes of Crystalaid, whose work contributes to better positioning Australian companies to be part of NASA’s plan to return to the moon and prepare for missions to Mars.”

Acting Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Angus Taylor said the grants will strengthen Australia’s space manufacturing base, while also boosting the economy and creating new high-skilled jobs.

“The space sector is one of our six National Manufacturing Priorities and these grants directly contribute to building the skills and capabilities of Australian space businesses so they can scale up their operations and become competitive in global markets,” Minister Taylor said.

“The grants also provide a tangible opportunity for the Australian businesses to support the transformation of our space industry and contribute to projects that will support NASA’s Moon to Mars program.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said these projects again demonstrate the incredible opportunities that are present at the intersection of space and manufacturing.

“Space and manufacturing go hand-in-hand and these projects are leveraging that relationship to drive economic growth and create jobs here in Australia,” Mr Palermo said.

“With this support, these Australian companies will be able to expand their capability and tap into new supply chains around the world – which adds up to opportunities here at home.”

The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.

The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 1 May 2023.

To apply for a grant and for more information, visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/moon-to-mars-supply-chain-capability-improvement-grants/grant-recipients