TRADE, BUSINESS, TOURISM AND INVESTMENT
Hosting APEC in 2007
The Australian Government will provide $216.3 million over three years in the 2005-06 Budget to a range of departments and agencies for Australia’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2007. The Australian Government is committed to having regional Australia share the benefits brought by hosting APEC. While venues are still to be determined, some APEC meetings may be held in regional areas; regional products and capabilities will be showcased; and some of the estimated 10,000 visitors for APEC will participate in regional study tours and tourism.
30 AUSFTA export facilitators
To enable Australian exporters to pursue market openings and enhanced trade opportunities resulting from the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) the Australian Government has provided $6 million over two years to appoint 30 new Austrade export facilitators to work specifically on the US market.
Of the 30 export facilitators, 23 will be based in the United States and seven in Australia. The US-based marketing staff will be a combination of industry specialists and generalists with the more specialised positions directly related to key AUSFTA outcomes such as Agriculture and Government Procurement. A new ‘Selling to Government’ office has already been established in the Australian Embassy in Washington to assist Australian exporters pursue opportunities in the $200 billion US Government Procurement market.
The establishment of seven dedicated mobile export advisers in Austrade offices around Australia will facilitate export opportunities arising from the AUSFTA and provide on-the-ground assistance for Australian exporters.
Export hubs
In 2004 the Australian Government committed $6.4 million over five years to establish eight new export hubs in regional Australia. The hubs will provide easier access to Government trade and industry programmes by bringing together the services and products provided by TradeStart and AusIndustry.
The eight new hubs will be a combination of two new TradeStart offices, the expansion of some existing TradeStart offices and the co-location of some TradeStart and AusIndustry offices.
Export hubs will be located in Ballarat, Carnarvon, Bega, Bundaberg, Port Augusta, Tweed Heads, Launceston and Darwin.
Export market development grants scheme
An additional $30 million has been allocated to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme, which encourages small and emerging exporters to enter into export and to develop sustainable export markets by providing a partial reimbursement for eligible export production expenses. The budget will be increased by an extra $20 million in 2005-06 and $10 million in 2006-07. This brings the total EMDG budget to $170.4 million in 2005-06 and $160.4 million in 2006-07.
New opportunities for new exporters
In 2004-05 the Australian Government allocated $6.1 million over four years to assist Australian exporters to capitalise on the emerging trade opportunities arising from the conclusion of Free Trade Agreements with Singapore, Thailand and the United States, as well as China’s accession to the World Trade Organization. In addition, Austrade is reallocating $13.5 million over four years from within its current resourcing to support this initiative.
The funding is being used to provide marketing and export-promotion events both in Australia and in relevant offshore markets.
Tradestart Programme
In 2002-03 the Australian Government committed $21.5 million over four years to extend and expand the TradeStart network programme. Currently there are 50 offices operating across all states and territories, to ensure that small and medium sized companies have access to export assistance wherever they are located in Australia.
The TradeStart network also ensures companies in regional Australia have access to services under Austrade’s New Exporter Development Programme. It provides one-on-one advice to new exporters to hep them realise their export potential and to succeed in international markets.
TradeStart is delivered in partnership between Austrade and local partners including chambers of commerce, private sector organisations, and state and territory governments. By leveraging Austrade’s knowledge of international markets with its partners’ local expertise, TradeStart is an effective way of helping companies into export.
Since its establishment, TradeStart has helped over 600 new exporters achieve export sales in excess of $200 million.
Mentoring support for Tasmanian small businesses
The Mentor Resources Small Business Mentoring Project has played a role in the survival and growth of small businesses across the Tasmania and, thanks to an extension of $150,000 in funding, will be able to do so for a further three years to 30 June 2008.
Through Mentor Resources, small businesses have access to 130 mentors with local knowledge and practical experience in a range of industries, across the small business sector. Over the past two years, 2000 Tasmanian small businesses have requested advice and support through the Mentor Resources Small Business Mentoring Project.
Business gateway
As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reducing the compliance burden for business, the Australian Government will provide continued funding of $36.4 million over four years from 2005-06 to support the Business Entry Point — www.business.gov.au.
The Business Entry Point provides an around-the-clock service to business in all parts of Australia, including regional areas. The site contains the latest tips and practical advice on running a business, applying and searching for Australian Business Numbers, seminars, training, funding opportunities and mentoring. Since it was established in 1996, www.business.gov.au has consistently received more than 150,000 visits per month.
Small business support
The widely successful Small Business Assistance Programme will continue for a further four years from 2006‑07 thanks to funding of $30 million. The programme continues and builds on the Australian Government’s commitment and investment to provide skills development, mentoring and advisory services to small business operators across Australia. It has had a positive impact in regional Australia, particularly for home‑based and start-up business operators or those in areas which are not already served by similar organisations.
From 2005-06, the Australian Government is providing a further $9 million over five years in support for Small Business Mentoring and Succession Planning. This initiative will help small businesses to understand demographic and market trends and prepare for their impact. This will be reflected in business growth and wealth creation, especially in regional Australia where there is an unmet demand for these services.
Home based business
The Australian Government has committed $2 million over four years from 2004-05 to deliver approximately 50 home-based business seminars, and to establish home-based business clubs in regional Australia. This proposal aims to encourage home-based businesses to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for innovation and growth and provides for unique networking opportunities.
The home-based business sector comprises a significant proportion of the small business sector (66 per cent in June 2003). The need for greater workplace flexibility and the emergence of enabling technologies have contributed to the growth of this sector in recent times.
Maximising Australian industry participation
The Australian Government is providing funding of $3.8 million over three years from 2005-06 to continue the Industry Capability Network Limited and Supplier Access to Major Projects Programme. The objective of these initiatives is to maximise opportunities for Australian industry in major projects and global supply chains, especially small to medium enterprises, including those in regional areas.
Government invests in regional tourism projects
The Australian Government remains committed to supporting regional tourism initiatives. A number of regional tourism initiatives were announced in the 2004 election. These included:
- Kimberley Cultural Tourism Promotion.
- Cairns Esplanade – Stage 3.
- The Great Green Way.
- Trail of the Tin Dragon.
- Restoration of Willow Court Barracks (subject to Tasmanian Government support).
- Oatlands Callington Mill Upgrade.
The 2005-06 Budget delivers on these commitments. The above projects will enhance the range and quality of tourism products in regional Australia, and contribute to increasing visitor numbers and employment opportunities and prospects.
Australian Tourism Development Programme
Tourism operators across Australia will have more opportunities to access cash grants for new products and services thanks to increased funding to the Australian Tourism Development Programme. The programme promotes tourism development in regional Australia, contributes to long term economic growth, increases visitor numbers and enhances tourism expenditure in regional areas.
Funding for the Australian Tourism Development Programme is being extended by $7.5 million, bringing Australian Government investment to $31.5 million over the four year period from 2004-05 to 2007-08.
Tourism and Conservation Initiative
Nature based tourism is a large segment of the Australian tourism industry and a major drawcard for international tourists. The Australian Government’s Tourism and Conservation Initiative encourages an expansion and diversity of nature-based tourism products, regional cooperation and tourism investment in biodiversity.
$3.6 million is allocated for two years from 2005-06 which is available to fund business planning and feasibility studies and pilot projects that showcase private sector ventures that boost tourism and conservation, and to fund research that boosts tourism and conservation