Awards recognise export performance of NSW businesses

New South Wales businesses have less than two weeks 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 Premier’s NSW 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 Premier’s NSW Export Awards close on 24 August.

Mr Truss said the New South Wales’ export performance was highlighted by the outstanding local companies participating in the Australian Export Awards and in three consecutive years winning the ultimate accolade, the DHL Australian Exporter of the Year - ResMed in 2006; The Wiggles in 2005 and Casella Wines in 2004.

“Australia’s exports topped a record $215 billion in 2006-07, with exports of manufacturing, resources and services reaching all-time highs. Major exports for NSW in 2005-06 were in the resources, medical and agribusiness fields,” Mr Truss said.

“New South Wales businesses are setting ever-higher benchmarks in export performance and excel in delivery to major markets such as Japan, the US and China.

“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 NSW businesses to enter the Awards so that we can recognise and celebrate your success,” Mr Truss said.

Last year, New South Wales was represented in the national awards by Mulwarra Export Pty Ltd; Laservision; International College of Management, Sydney; Gloria Jean’s Coffees International; Appen Pty Ltd; ResMed; Xstrata Coal; Byron Bay Cookie Company; Macquarie Bank; aussieBum; Bellata Gold; and Taronga Zoo.

For details on how to enter visit www.exportawards.gov.au/apply-online before the 24 August deadline.

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