In keeping with the Government’s election commitment, an operational review of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program will commence immediately.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell announced the EMDG Operational Review today, to ensure the grants program is working effectively. This review is additional to the legislated five-yearly independent reviews, next due in 2024.
“The EMDG program has helped thousands of Australian businesses to take the next step and go global,” Mr Farrell said.
“Unfortunately, due to changes made by the former Government we have seen a very successful program become increasingly unpredictable.”
“The Australian Government has heard the concerns from businesses about recent changes to the program, and taking action was an election promise.”
“This operational review will ensure the Australian Government is effectively and efficiently assisting Australian exporters to sell more of their premium products overseas,” Mr Farrell said.
“We’re looking to continue to improve on this program that has been helping Australian businesses since 1974.”
Administered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), reforms to the EMDG program rolled out in 2021 to make it easier for Australian businesses to apply.
Since then, EMDG is now helping more exporters than ever before, with more than 5,000 businesses approved to receive grants.
As part of the operational review, Austrade will engage with current EMDG recipients and stakeholders, on current policy settings, processes, systems and communication with the assistance of an external facilitator.
Austrade will provide me with results of the operational review within three months, and deliver a comprehensive independent EMDG review in 2024 as required by the legislation.
