CPB Contractors, Australia’s leading construction company, is further solidifying its commitment to reconciliation with the launch of two new tools —the Aboriginal Business and Social Enterprise (ABSE) internal database and ABSE external playbook— created to encourage more Indigenous and social enterprises into its supply chain.
The new ABSE database combines over 500 (and growing) accredited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island businesses into one online tool. After a successful pilot across CPB Contractors' projects, offices and plant yards, the formal launch of this tool aims to create more opportunities for First Australians in the construction industry and on infrastructure projects.
Created to encourage the growth of this database, the just-released external ABSE playbook is a comprehensive guide on CPB Contractors’ procurement and tendering process. It is particularly useful for smaller businesses that have not worked with large-scale contractors before, as it details what they will need at each stage of the procurement process.
CPB Contractors Group Manager, Indigenous and Social Inclusion Sharon Gray emphasises the significance of these two tools.
“Launching this database and playbook really sets a new standard for enabling access, engagement, and procurement with Indigenous and social enterprise businesses.
“Our ABSE database is integrated into our other systems, making it easy for our people, projects, and operations to work with more First Nations and social enterprise businesses”, adds Sharon.
This launch builds upon CPB Contractors' longstanding commitment to reconciliation, reflected in its Reconciliation Australia-endorsed Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Social Inclusion Strategy and long-term partnerships with CareerTrackers, CareerSeekers, Supply Nation, and Social Traders.