4 October 1995
Addressing a business function in Melbourne this morning, Senator McMullan said the Scheme will maintain a comprehensive inventory of export barriers faced by Australian companies; provide advice to firms; and use the resources of DFAT and Austrade overseas posts to investigate problems identified by firms and make representations on their behalf.
"In cases where impediments to export take time to resolve, details will be incorporated into DFAT's already substantial market access negotiation program for ongoing attention," Senator McMullan said.
"I give high priority to improving access for Australian exports to foreign markets.
"With the increasing diversity of the types of goods and services Australian firms export and the places they are sent, identifying and addressing market access barriers has become a complex task.
"The Government, however, can only help firms which encounter export impediments if we are informed of the problems.
"The Export Barriers Reporting Scheme will make it easier for companies to obtain assistance from DFAT and Austrade in removing or addressing export impediments.
"It will build and strengthen the links between the Government and exporters, particularly small and medium companies, by providing easy access to the market access capabilities of DFAT and Austrade.
"I encourage all Australian exporters to make use of the Export Barriers Reporting Scheme."
Exporters can contact DFAT's Export Barriers Unit on (06) 261 1177.
Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420