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Assistant Minister for Defence David Fawcett has announced a head contract for construction works under the Defence Force School of Signals Redevelopment Project.
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The $14.8 million contract was awarded to an Indigenous company, National Aboriginal Construction Partnership Projects (NACP). Senator Fawcett said the engagement of NACP as head contractor for the works demonstrated the government’s continuous commitment to providing opportunities for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous enterprises.
"The Defence Force School of Signals is the Australian Defence Force’s principal communications and information systems and electronic warfare training establishment," Senator Fawcett explained.
"NACP will deliver a new training facility at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia and minor information and communications technology (ICT) works at HMAS Cerberus, Mornington Peninsula."
Construction is scheduled to commence later this month and completion is anticipated by early 2020.
"NACP Projects has developed a local industry capability plan with a target of 85 per cent of sub-contract packages to be awarded to businesses within the Melbourne metro area," Senator Fawcett said.
NACP Projects aims to deliver ongoing and sustainable building projects utilising the expertise of Aboriginal organisations based in the north-west of Western Australia and north Queensland to offer a unique value proposition to the market.
The joint venture gives regional and remote communities access to BADGE’s national construction capabilities and suite of services – helping to upskill, develop and provide opportunity to the local Indigenous workforce across Australia.
Senator Fawcett added, "Local businesses, suppliers and trades would be given an opportunity to be involved in the construction works, including supply of goods and services."
NACP Projects provides a career path for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths seeking to build a future in the construction industry.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
