5 December 2008
Leading Exporters Recognised for Outstanding Achievements in International Business
The Minister for Trade Simon Crean tonight announced the 13 category award winners in the 2008 Australian Export Awards.
Speaking at the National Awards Presentation at the National Gallery of Victoria, Mr Crean said the Australian Export Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individual Australian enterprises and serve to highlight that the prosperity and employment prospects of all Australians increasingly rely on our ongoing ability to successfully engage with international markets.
“I am very pleased that this year, for the first time, the Prime Minister’s Australian Exporter of the Year will be personally presented by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
“The Prime Minister’s participation underscores the Australian Government’s determination to improve our international trade performance and to strengthen the international competitiveness of Australian businesses.
“Australian Export Award category winners provide excellent examples of the internationally competitive Australian enterprises that are helping drive our trade performance.
“Last year these thirteen companies showed they have what it takes to compete on the world stage and win, earning $969 million in export revenues and employing more than 1,400 Australians.
During the dinner two previous export awards winners – Cochlear Limited and BridgeClimb Sydney – were inducted into the Australian Export Awards Hall of Fame.
“Tonight’s category winners, finalists, and Hall of Fame inductees show how Australian innovation, determination and effort can meet the challenges of global markets and create wealth and job opportunities for Australians.
“As a Government we are committed to facilitating the operating conditions and improving market access to help more Australian businesses emulate the achievements of companies represented here tonight.
“I congratulate all winners and finalists tonight and encourage the Australian business community as a whole to follow your example.
Now in its 46th year, the Australian Export Awards program is co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
For more information about the Australian Export Awards, including a full list of finalists visit: www.exportawards.gov.au.
List of 2008 Australian Export Awards category winners
2008 Australian Export Awards Category Winners
AGRIBUSINESS AWARD WINNER
Craig Mostyn Group
sponsored by Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARD WINNER
Laservision
sponsored by Australia Post
EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARD WINNER
Centre for Customs and Excise Studies
sponsored by CPA Australia
EMERGING EXPORTER AWARD WINNER
Ta Ann Tasmania
sponsored by AusIndustry
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNER
Appen
sponsored by Ernst & Young
LARGE ADVANCED MANUFACTURER AWARD WINNER
Russell Mineral Equipment Pty Ltd
sponsored by Australian Made & Caterpillar
LARGE SERVICES AWARD WINNER
Xstrata Technology
sponsored by Austrade
MINERALS AND ENERGY AWARD WINNER
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
sponsored by Minerals Council of Australia
REGIONAL EXPORTER AWARD WINNER
Bega Cheese Limited
sponsored by Australian Business International Trade Services
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNER
Global EARS Limited
sponsored by Dept Innovation, Industry, Science & Research
SMALL TO MEDIUM MANUFACTURER AWARD WINNER
Divex Asia Pacific
sponsored by Commonwealth Bank
SMALL TO MEDIUM SERVICES AWARD WINNER
Rhine Ruhr
sponsored by Export Finance & Insurance Corporation
SPORTS, EVENTS AND TOURISM AWARD WINNER
Adventure Tours Australia Group Pty Ltd
sponsored by Business Club Australia
The Australian Export Awards is comprised of eight State and Territory Export Awards programs that recognise excellence and innovation in exporting across a range of industry sectors.
The Australian Export Awards is made possible through the co-operation between the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the various State and Territory government departments or industry bodies.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555