Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time First Nations Business Showcase First Nations Business Showcase The Hon. R.B. MARTIN Legislative Council First Nations Business Showcase The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The Hon. L.A. Henderson interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mrs Henderson, stop the vicious attack on the Hon. Mr Martin. The Hon. R.B. MARTIN Legislative Council The Hon. R.B. MARTIN: Will the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs please inform the chamber about the First Nations Business Showcase event? The Hon. K.J. MAHER Legislative Council Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Attorney-General Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Special Minister of State The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his surprise question that he has come up with. He shows a great interest in these sorts of matters, and this is an important area. I would be more than happy to inform him about the First Nations Business Showcase. I am very pleased to update the council on the most recent First Nations Business Showcase. The showcase, now in its third year, continues to grow and diversify, with First Nations enterprises promoting innovation and economic strength of their businesses. The showcase generally coincides with Indigenous Business Month and is organised by the First Nations Entrepreneur Hub, the Circle. Once again, the Circle delivered a successful and engaging event. Industry events such as this one are vitally important in connecting First Nations businesses with industry and government agencies so that we can collaborate, boost South Australia's economy and create and support jobs in the community. I know that there is a genuine desire to connect and do business, which is evidenced by this year's events being the largest yet, hosting over 140 First Nations businesses, attracting over 1,500 attendees. The flow-on benefits of First Nations business ownership are significant in supporting employment and education opportunities as well as building family and community income. It has been reported that Aboriginal businesses are 100 times more likely to employ an Aboriginal person than a non-Aboriginal business. As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I am proud of our First Nations business owners and what they have achieved and the support that is provided. Importantly, we are seeing Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs in a wide range of fields, such as health, creative industries, gaming, native produce, service sectors, legal and accounting, tourism and much more. I am encouraged by the genuine commitment from industry and the public sector in their support of First Nations businesses in South Australia. As I have wandered around events, not just this one but ones like this that showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait businesses, I am very buoyed by the level of diversity, complexity and enthusiasm that Aboriginal businesses have in this state.