QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (15:04): I thank Senator Stewart for the question. I know she's a fierce advocate for Indigenous businesses. Every time I'm in Victoria, Senator Stewart takes me to a new business, and I certainly look forward to next week, where we will visit some more.

October is the month to get shopping at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, and you aren't short of options. I can tell the Senate there are more than 13,000 First Nations businesses around the country. They're generating more than $16 billion in revenue.

They're paying $4.2 billion in wages and employing over 116,000 people in the economy, and I can tell you the Albanese Labor government is supporting them every step of the way. It's this government that has strengthened the Indigenous Procurement Policy, which is driving government purchasing towards First Nations businesses and supporting economic empowerment for individuals, families and communities.

And we're backing First Nations women in business, too. Our new business coaching program, delivered by Indigenous Business Australia, is providing tailored coaching, mentoring and business capability development opportunities for First Nations women. This program is supporting First Nations women to turn business ideas into successful new enterprises.

And there's more. We've made a $20.5 million investment in Indigenous business and employment hubs, and these hubs are located in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Alice Springs. The hubs offer First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs tailored support to help them and their businesses thrive.

October might be Indigenous Business Month, but the Albanese Labor government backs Indigenous businesses all year round.