Highlights

Implementation of reforms to Austrade...

Reforms to Austrade's operating model, structure and governance have been progressively implemented during 2011–12. These included extending Austrade's operations in growth and emerging markets and streamlining resources in established markets. Austrade will continue to promote Australia's international education and training capabilities in all major markets (see page iv).

2,993 exporters received grants through the Export Market Development Grants scheme in 2011–12, worth a total of $125.6 million. The EMDG scheme, which is administered by Austrade, assists predominantly small and medium-sized Australian businesses to enter into and develop export markets by reimbursing up to 50 per cent of expenses incurred on eligible export promotion activities (see page 86).

Austrade assisted in the attraction of 56 inward investment projects to Australia, with a total investment intention of $1.067 billion and an intention to create or safeguard 954 jobs once operational (see page 61).

In August 2011, Austrade coordinated the Australia–China 2.0 trade mission, led by the Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP, Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, and the Hon Richard Marles MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs. The mission involved 100 delegates from 92 Australian businesses and organisations, who visited five cities across China during the seven-day multi-sector mission promoting engagement in central and western China (see page 20).

In March 2012, an Austrade-managed Consulate-General in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, was opened. This followed short-term staff secondments in preceding years to assess opportunities in the market, which laid the foundation for this new permanent presence (see page 32).

In 2011–12, Austrade increased the international education and training sector's understanding and use of the Future Unlimited brand through the development and promotion of new brand guidelines and assets, and made these available to the sector through formal brand licensing agreements. At 30 June 2012, Austrade had provided brand licences to 187 organisations (see page 46).

Austrade continued to lead the use and activation of the Australia Unlimited nation brand on behalf of the Australian Government. Austrade launched the Australia Unlimited iPad magazine in November 2011, while the supporting website, www.australiaunlimited.com, was launched in January 2012, showcasing world-class ideas and the achievements of Australians at home and abroad (see page 68).

90,763 Australians received consular services from Austrade staff in 2011–12. At 30 June 2012, Austrade operated consulates for the Australian Government in 17 overseas locations, providing services including consular assistance, passport services, notarial acts, medical evacuations, prison visits and general advice (see page 98).