AFL legend part of newly-launched NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce

Dechlan Brennan - March 13, 2025

indigenous business

Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium CEO Adam Goodes (right), pictured with UGL executive general manager of services Sam Goldsmith, has joined the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce. (Image: supplied)

The New South Wales government has announced an Aboriginal Business Taskforce to help grow the state's Aboriginal business sector.

Announced at the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in Redfern on Tuesday, the taskforce members - the majority of whom are Indigenous - will bring both knowledge and experience in setting up and running Aboriginal businesses across the state.

It includes former AFL superstar and 2014 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, now the chief executive of the Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium as one of eight appointees.

"The Indigenous businesses sector is the fastest growing business sector," Mr Goodes said.

"Indigenous businesses are 100 per cent more likely to employ other Indigenous people, and they provide a huge amount of social and economic value for every dollar that is spent with them."

The NSW government said the taskforce was a "key initiative" from both the Aboriginal Business Growth and the bi-annual Aboriginal Business Roundtables, and would help to ensure the voices of Indigenous business owners and managers were heard by those in power.

Taskforce member Terri-Anne Daniel said it was an opportunity to ensure Indigenous business owners like himself to bring "lived experience of the real challenges, and because we are entrepreneurs, we bring bold solutions to the table".

"When Aboriginal businesses thrive, communities thrive," she said.

"We're not just creating jobs; we're fostering independence, self-determination, and long-term prosperity for our people. Who better to help Mob than Mob?"

The taskforce members will provide the government with "timely, strategic advice" on the sector and how it can be best supported to ensure growth.

"This Taskforce will advise the NSW Government on how it can continue to support Indigenous businesses in NSW," Mr Goodes said, "so that the sector can continue to grow and support the wellbeing and prosperity of our people."

Data from the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources showed for every $1 of revenue, certified Indigenous businesses created $4.41 of economic and social value and Indigenous-owned businesses were also more likely to employ Indigenous people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across the country employ more than 116,000 people and generate revenue over $16 billion annually, according to a report by the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership.

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said the government recognised how economic empowerment and business development were critical aspects to both the socio-economic growth of Aboriginal communities and closing the gap.

"Through discussions it was clear the Aboriginal business sector wanted a strategy-focussed group that can provide advice to government. We have now delivered on that commitment with the new Aboriginal Business Taskforce," he said.

"The taskforce is another step in NSW's determination to lead the nation in pursuing economic prosperity as a key goal to close the gap for Aboriginal people."