Export Partnership Program

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Investment and Trade. How many businesses received funding under round 9 of the Export Partnership Program?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Health Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:34): I thank the member for Light for his important question—very important indeed for small business—because our future depends on transforming the state economy through science and technology-based industry development and change. It further depends upon international engagement and taking our goods and services to the world.

For that reason, the Export Partnership Program provides funding assistance for small and medium-sized businesses to access new global markets through marketing and export development opportunities. Local businesses and organisations can apply for up to $50,000, which they match, for eligible export projects and activities. Grants may be used to support South Australian businesses to attend key international trade events as well as coaching, training, market intelligence and mentoring in the preparation of materials and to plan for international opportunities to build their export capability to grow jobs and investment.

Fifteen South Australian businesses received grants totalling $313,000 in round 9 of the Export Partnership Program. These businesses came from a variety of industries, including food and wine, engineering and media. Successful businesses were also based in a wide range of regions, including the Barossa Valley, the South-East, the Clare Valley, the Adelaide Hills, Adelaide itself and the northern suburbs.

South Australia is exporting more than ever, with total exports reaching a new high of $15.643 billion in the 12 months to June 2017. The state's international engagement strategies provide the framework to assist companies to drive trade outcomes. Those strategies are supported by representatives, many of them embedded with Austrade overseas, and our own strategic advisers. I congratulate the following 15 round 9 grant recipients and wish them well in their export endeavours: 1847 Wines Chateau Yaldara, Lyndoch, over $18,000; Bethany Wines, Tanunda, $21,000; Chateau Tanunda, Tanunda, $37,500; Koonara Wines Pty Ltd, Penola, $7,800—

The SPEAKER: Point of order.

Mr TARZIA: This information is readily available on the internet, so the minister is just quoting what is already in a public forum.

The SPEAKER: Could the member for Hartley bring that to me?

Mr TARZIA: Immediately, sir.

The SPEAKER: Meanwhile, the minister may continue.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: —Learning Potential International Pty Ltd, Flagstaff Hill, $11,200; Light's View Group, Virginia, $17,200; Massena, Angaston, $19,800; Newsmaker, Highgate, $32,700; Ochre Nation Pty Ltd, Applewood Distillery, Gumeracha, $35,000; Pangkarra Foods, Clare—

The SPEAKER: Alas, minister, it does violate the customs of the house, in that the list is already posted on the net. The member for Morialta.