The Department on Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) has referred matters of alleged misuse of the Indigenous Employment Provisional Sum (IEPS) policy to Northern Territory Police.

Audit processes undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) revealed an instance of the potential misuse of the policy which was referred to Northern Territory Police and the Auditor-General in March 2017.

Since that time, there have been multiple alleged misuses discovered which has led to today’s announcement by Government that the Indigenous Employment Provisional Sum (IEPS) policy has been suspended on all new tenders and contracts issued after today.

In closing the current Indigenous Employment Provisional Sum (IEPS) policy, Government will consult with business and industry stakeholders to develop a clear and strengthened policy to be in place by January 2018.

In the interim, a strengthened Indigenous Development Plan (IDP) will be rolled out to maximise Aboriginal employment in government contracts.

While no new contracts under the Indigenous Employment Provisional Sum (IEPS) policy will be issued from today, businesses currently undertaking work under the IEPS will be able to complete their current project.

An inter-departmental Steering Group will be responsible for implementation of the new policy where a strengthened framework for Aboriginal employment will be developed.

DIPL Media: 0437 868 115