Department for Trade and Investment

In reply to Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (26 June 2024). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans Affairs): I have been advised of the following:

As highlighted in the budget papers, the agency supported over 300 South Australian businesses on outbound business missions and hosted more than 200 international businesses on inbound business missions to South Australia.

Hosting inbound missions is a core function of the department, with DTI officials providing a range of supports to promote South Australian industry capability and expertise. Government activities facilitated by DTI that support inbound missions may include meetings with the minister and/or senior officials, itinerary development, connections to relevant potential business partners, accompaniment or hosting of site visits around the state, and provision of meeting spaces for delegates and businesses. In many cases costs associated with these programs are minimal.

Fourteen outbound business missions were delivered as outlined in the table below. Business missions include responding to conditions that are commercial-in-confidence–the budget for these events, the number of companies that attend, and the outcomes from them should be treated sensitively as we compete with other jurisdictions for commercial opportunities and distributor networks.

All departmental costs associated with international travel are reported via proactive disclosure requirements and available on the DTI website at www.dti.sa.gov.au/proactive-disclosure.

All major overseas missions include a review mechanism that seeks specific feedback from South Australian companies that were involved in the program. These reviews measure client satisfaction and allow for participants to reflect on the value of the program and its suitability to further their business interests. Reviews also include follow-up meetings with exporters to hear firsthand what additional service would best benefit them. Depending on the feedback, a process of continual improvement to refine agency service delivery is implemented.