A new Chamber of Commerce has been set up to represent more than 2,000 Indigenous businesses and employers.

The First Australians Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI) launched in Sydney over the weekend, aimed at driving more opportunities for Indigenous business.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion says it is a way to help First Australians without resorting to restrictions and welfare.

“Getting First Australians into work is a key to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage and the FACCI will add corporate impetus to this important Government priority,” he said.

“A national chamber, that brings together all of the regional chambers, will play a critical role in supporting the Government’s new policy direction.

“I urge the Australian corporate sector to get behind this new Indigenous Chamber which in the long term will also boost the number of First Australians into employment.”

He said it was part of broader measures to help Australia’s original inhabitants through business.

“Indigenous businesses are more likely to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and by supporting this sector we can increase Indigenous jobs—one of the Government’s key priorities,” he said.

“Earlier this year I announced new targets to significantly increase Indigenous employees in the public sector and leverage the Commonwealth’s $39 billion annual procurement spend to build Indigenous businesses and boost job opportunities.

“In another initiative, the Government will partner with Australia’s largest employers to get an additional 20,000 Indigenous Australians into jobs in the private sector by 2020.”