Statement by Heather Ridout
Chief Executive, Australian Industry Group

“The broad review of Australia's export policies and programs undertaken by Mr David Mortimer presents potential remedies for some of the key concerns facing export-oriented businesses,” Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.

“Industry will welcome many of the report’s recommendations including:

• A stronger focus on analysis of global trade and economic trends from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;
• The push for uniform and more effective support for exporters through COAG;
• More direct business advice and input into the senior levels of Austrade; and
• The establishment of a national trade and investment council to provide strategic advice on policy development and implementation.

“The Mortimer Review's focus on providing Australian business with greater access to key trade policy decision-makers is especially welcome. These improved lines of communication for business and exporters to advise government on their needs would help develop a more coherent, industry driven and export-oriented policy framework in the future.

“Ai Group welcomes a number of the Review’s recommendations that will make a difference for Australian companies in the competitive global trading environment including:

• The recommendation that Australia take a more active role as a litigant in the World Trade Organisation’s dispute settlement system to advocate the interests of Australian companies facing unfair trade barriers; and 
• The adoption of a uniform brand to distinguish Australian products and services offshore.

“However, the recommendations in relation to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme fall short of what’s required for industry and would make it harder for smaller export-oriented companies to access capital.

“The proposals contain no real new money for the EMDG scheme and provide for fewer years of funding for exporters. As Ai Group said in its submission to the Mortimer Report, the EMDG scheme is the lynch-pin of Australia's export promotion programs, assisting over 4,000 businesses per year to enter and develop export markets. Given its proven value to business, the program is deserving of strengthening and should not be made less available or attractive to smaller exporters,” Mrs Ridout said.



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