How do I know if my company will need a DEEWR approved Indigenous Australian Training, Employment and Supplier Plan (IOP Plan)?

The Australian Government’s Approach to Market documentation will indicate as to whether applicants will need a DEEWR approved IOP Plan. Alternatively an organisation can voluntary prepare an IOP Plan and submit it for approval in anticipation that it is likely to win contracts valued over $5M ($6M for construction) that will involve activity in a region with a significant Indigenous population.

What is a region with a significant Indigenous population?

For the purpose of the IOP, regions with a significant Indigenous Australian population are those Indigenous areas (as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics) where the proportion of Indigenous people is higher than the national average (2.5 per cent – 2006 Census). Maps of regions with a significant Indigenous population.

How do I develop an IOP Plan for our company?

IOP Plan must be submitted to, and approved by, DEEWR using the MyPlan system. The MyPlan information managementsystem has been specially designed to facilitate the development of plans through an easy to use IOP Plan Template. To register visit the MyPlan website.

If you have any questions on developing or submitting an IOP Plan contact DEEWR by emailing iop@deewr.gov.au.

Why is DEEWR involved in my contract that is with another Australian Government Department?

DEEWR is the owner of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Opportunities Policy. This Policy interacts with all Australian Government procurement activities, not just DEEWR procurement activity. As DEEWR has expertise in Indigenous employment and training we will lead the approval of plans and the monitoring of their implementation and outcomes. DEEWR will not be directly involved in the other agencies contract management process. We will provide information to agencies if a contractor’s IOP Plan has been suspended. Management of situations where IOP Plans have been suspended will be done by contract managers within the relevant agency not by DEEWR.

I am offered a contract variation which takes the total value of my contract to over $5 million do I need to a have an IOP Plan in place?

The Australian Government agency managing the contract will inform you if you are required to have an IOP Plan. Generally however, if the original value of the contract was under $5M ($6M for construction) then it is unlikely that you will be required to have a Plan in place.

Do I have to have an IOP Plan for each contract I have which is worth over $5 million?

If you have multiple contracts where the IOP applies you do not need a separate plan for each of these contracts. A single IOP Plan will suffice, however a local implementation plan that accommodates the specifics of each contract and region is recommended. DEEWR offers support for implementing plans locally. If you need support email iop@deewr.gov.au

I intend to apply the actions set out in the IOP Plan to each of my three contracts, do I need to report separately for each contract?

Yes. The annual reporting template allows you to report on one or more contracts in the same form and you are required to report on activities against each specific contract. Where the activity cuts across all the contracts then you can repeat reporting on this activity against each contract.

A reminder will be generated and sent to the email address listed on your MyPlan registration when you need to report.

We have never employed Indigenous Australians before, is there any assistance available to make sure we implement the right employment and training initiatives?

If you win a contract to which the IOP applies you can email DEEWR iop@deewr.gov.au to find out more about assistance and resources available to help you get it right. 

The industry sector I work in is a very specialised area and I’ve never heard of any Indigenous Australians working in the field, do I need to have an IOP Plan?

Yes, if the ATM or contract documents say that you need an IOP Plan. Indigenous Australians are trained and employed in a range of fields and industries. If there are a shortage of Indigenous Australians in your field remember, IOP Plans are also about the creation of training and employment pathways and utilisation of Indigenous businesses.

My company regularly wins large government contacts but we manage this with our existing staff and resources. Do I have to have an IOP Plan?

Yes, if the Approach to Market contract documents say that you have to have an IOP Plan.

I’ve looked for an Indigenous business to support my contract but I can’t find one. What should I do?

If you can provide evidence that you made real attempts to locate a relevant Indigenous business to support your contract, including utilising existing Indigenous business directories listed at www.deewr.gov.au/iop, then DEEWR will consider that you have met your obligations for this element of your plan.