Awards recognise export performance of ACT businesses

ACT businesses have less than a week to enter the prestigious Australian Export Awards, Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss said today.

The Awards recognise outstanding export success in 12 industry categories and through the overall DHL Australian Exporter of the Year award

Category winners of the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards progress as finalists to compete alongside winners from other state and territory award programs in the national Australian Export Awards, in November.

Entries for the ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards close on 14 August.

Mr Truss said the ACT’s export performance was highlighted by the outstanding local companies participating in the Australian Export Awards over recent years, such as IELTS Australia which won the Australian Education International Education Award in 2004.

“Australia’s exports topped a record $215 billion in 2006-07, with exports of manufacturing, resources and services reaching all-time highs. In 2005-06, ACT businesses in the services industry contributed more than $900 million in exports,” Mr Truss said.

“ACT businesses are setting ever-higher benchmarks in export performance by continuing to expand the range and sophistication of the goods and services they offer the world.

“The Australian Export Awards celebrate the success of the many businesses that are driving Australia’s record-breaking export performance. Finalists in last year’s Awards generated more than $12.5 billion in export earnings and directly employed over 36,000 people.

“Australia’s export excellence is being achieved by businesses of all sizes and across all industries. I encourage ACT businesses to enter the Awards so that we can recognise and celebrate your success,” Mr Truss said.

Last year, the ACT was represented in the national awards by Ronin Films, Aspen Medical, PRD Software, Innovation Dynamics,Compucat Research,Fire Control Systems, Australian Scientific Instruments, wine makers Clonakilla, and the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies.

For details on how to enter visit www.exportawards.gov.au/apply-online before the 14 August deadline.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555