An export business in the Electorate of Parkes could be the 55th Australian exporter of the year, Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said.
Mr Coulton encouraged businesses to enter the Australian Export Awards program which celebrates the success of Australian products and services on the world stage.
“Within the Electorate of Parkes the businesses which export around the world are thriving,” he said.
“Whether it’s a food processor like Fletcher International in Dubbo which sends sheep-meat products around the world, or other businesses exporting grains and pulses to India, Asia or the Middle East, there is a strong ethic of entrepreneurship.
“Regional Australia is responsible for almost three quarters of Australia’s exports, the majority of Australia’s production of gas and electricity, half the nation’s tourism, and most of our food and fibre production.
“It would be great to see a business from my Electorate crowned as exporter of the year,” Mr Coulton said.
Applicants are first judged in the NSW export awards program, with the winners progressing to become national finalists in the Australian Export Awards.
Applications are accepted in 12 national export award categories, which demonstrate the diversity of Australia’s export sectors, including Digital Technologies, e-Commerce, Health and Biotechnology, Regional Exporter and Small Business.
Last year’s national winners included a naval architectural firm and producers of medical simulation technology, soil moisture control systems and modular mineral-processing plants. Envato, an online marketplace for digital content, was named the 2016 Australian Exporter of the Year.
Australia’s exporters generate far-reaching benefits for the Australian economy. The 81 national finalists in the 2016 Australian Export Awards generated more than $12.3 billion in export sales in 2015–16 and employed more than 34,500 people.
Visit www.exportawards.gov.au for more information and how to enter.