Export Partnership Program

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Investment and Trade. What is the outcome of the first round of the industry group funding category from the Export Partnership Program and how will this assist exporters?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:43): I thank the minister for his question because building robust trade and export growth is a pathway to a very strong economy and to jobs. Over 72 South Australian jobs are supported by exports. That's meals on the table every evening. It's an extremely large business.

We are committed to help open global markets to South Australian businesses. The Export Partnership Program was therefore expanded in May 2017 to include industry groups and associations that support South Australian businesses. The logic in doing this is to reach beyond the individual small businesses to their own business associations in an effort to get complete and full engagement from the industry as a whole, from their leadership as well as from the individual small businesses.

The industry group funding category will support industry groups to provide leadership to their members on international engagement within the context of the export facilitation programs currently provided by the South Australian government. The whole object here is to put sellers together with buyers and an investor together with an investment. Through this program, eligible industry groups can apply for up to $50,000 for eligible export projects and activities. I would encourage all members who may have an industry association in their electorate to grab this information and make sure it is disseminated.

Applications for the first round of the industry group funding category closed on 26 May 2017. There were 12 applicants who were successful and received a combined total of grants worth $470,000. The program helps industry groups and companies access the right tools and support to grow and build international networks that can often be very financially challenging to access. Grants may be used to support South Australian businesses and associations to attend key international trade events, as well as coaching, training, market intelligence and mentoring to plan for international opportunities and build their export capability.

Don't forget that to our north 3.5 billion customers are waiting for South Australia's goods and services. Here in Australia it is 25 million. It's a much smaller figure, important though it is. Let's not forget where the real opportunity for the future lies.

I congratulate the following 12 successful industry groups: the Australia China Business Council, $50,000; AUSVEG SA, $49,496; the Barossa Grape and Wine Association, $50,000; Business SA, $50,000; Cherry Growers Australia, $34,500; Defence Teaming Centre, $48,900; Food SA, $50,000; Potatoes SA, $30,000; the South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association, $30,000; the South Australian Wine Industry Association, $22,593; Tourism Kangaroo Island, $6,690; and the Water Industry Alliance, $49,600.

I look forward to further export success stories from their members and again I encourage all members in the house to get the word out to associations or industry groups they may be dealing with that funding is available to support them.