Address to the AIMEX networking function at the Sydney International Boat Show

Acknowledgments

Alistair Murray, Chairman, AIMEX.
Sean Griffin, Vice President, AIMEX
Mary Anne Edwards, CEO, AIMEX
Barry Jenkins, President, Australian Marine Industry Federation
Representatives of Fibreglass International, the key sponsors of this wonderful event
Board Members, AIMEX members and guests.

Thank you for inviting me to address this evening’s networking function.

My first observation on boarding the South Steyne was what a terrific venue it is for members of the marine industry to be networking on.

She reminds us all of our history as a seafaring island continent and her own restoration points to blue skies ahead for the industry and for the Australian International Marine Export Group.

I congratulate AIMEX on its 10^th anniversary.

The organisation has grown from being composed of a small group of exporters - with the common goal of creating a coordinated approach to the industry’s representation - to an organisation with a 100-strong membership as well as having a united presence at international events.

I would also like to pay tribute to Alistair Murray, AIMEX Chairman and one of those trailblazing founding members, who has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame following his work as Managing Director of the multi-award-winning Ronstan.

And I want to congratulate AIMEX

As AIMEX members, you all have the opportunity to network and strengthen relationships by exchanging information with those who come from a broad spectrum of marine capability – whether it be design, manufacture, refitting or repairs.

The breadth of the industry, illustrated by those in attendance this evening, is evidence that Australian marine exports are an absolute triumph.

The Australian leisure boating industry generates $5.5 billion nationally and over $750 million in export sales. It is estimated that the industry employs around 30,000 people.

This overwhelming success does not fall solely at the feet of our major shipbuilders and repairers - it is about small-to-medium enterprises - the powerhouse of innovation and employment.

Furthermore, Australia’s marine industry success is not simply confined to coastal areas. The industry has:

created jobs in both metropolitan ports and boatyards - as well as in more remote areas of Australia; and
has contributed to regional economies around the nation. Indeed, some of the most exciting innovation and ideas for which Australia is renowned have come out of our regions.

There can be no doubt that there are as many success stories in the marine industry than in almost any other sector. It would be remiss of me not to mention some of these stories.

I have already mentioned Alistair Murray and Ronstan. Ronstan knows its customer needs well by maintaining close ties with yacht racing’s elite competitors. The challenge of producing innovative hardware that satisfies the extreme demands of racing conditions has led to many of their technical breakthroughs. Ronstan’s know-how, combined with government R&D grants, has allowed them to produce innovative and cutting-edge products which are leading the world.

GME of NSW is an example of a firm that has made effective use of Austrade and other Government assistance to export their innovative, low cost, emergency position radio beacons to more than 30 countries.

Webster Twinfisher of NSW is a good example of a successful regional company that has benefited from both AIMEX and Austrade’s assistance. It was bought by a young couple, Daniel and Kelly Schofield of Orange NSW, and is making real inroads with its new Twinfisher cats. The company has won several awards and is preparing to launch into the export market.

These are only a few examples of so many marine - and marine-allied enterprises - that are taking on the world with Austrade and AIMEX’s assistance.

Austrade works closely with AIMEX to help entrepreneurs find an opening into export harbours.

Austrade’s award winning Marine Industry Network has over 50 people in 26 countries – and I should mention Leigh Wilmott, Austrade’s Marine Industry Network Coordinator, and an observer on the AIMEX Board, is here this evening.

Two other Australian-based members are also with us tonight:

Peter Ironmonger, a NSW marine export adviser whom many of you would know from his time in Shanghai and the Shanghai International Boat Show; and
Another marine industry adviser, Gabrielle-Oriel, who is here to assist our regionally based exporters.

Please make the most of their services this evening. There is a world full of opportunities for our world-class industry members to explore, and Leigh, Peter and Gabrielle can advise you on issues including

Attracting inward investment
Accessing government support such as Export Market Development Grants, and
How you can benefit from the Rudd government’s widening of the EMDG eligibility criteria and extra funding.

The Australian government’s aims are identical with yours - to promote exports and investment.

You can be assured that the government, through Austrade, is committed to helping exporters access overseas customers.

We can make a start by doing what this event demands - networking, getting to know more about each other and sharing our experiences and ideas.

Thank you once again to the key sponsor, FGI, which is a loyal and trusted partner of AIMEX.

I congratulate the AIMEX companies and their captains of industry for a job well done.

And finally, thank you to AIMEX for its services to Australian marine exporters.

Enjoy the evening. Enjoy the Sydney Boat Show.

I have no doubt you will all enjoy many future successes.