PM praises - 2002 Australian Export Awards - Australian Prime Minister John Howard presents export awards

Business Asia, Dec, 2002

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has praised the efforts of Australia's trading community, saying exporters added valuable strength to the economy.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the 2002 Australian Export Awards, which were held at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex last month. More than 700 of Australia's top exporting community members were on hand to witness the gala ceremony which saw NSW company ResMed snare the top honour of DHL Australian Exporter of the Year.

Howard, who was the keynote speaker, described the Australian Export Awards as "an occasion to honour people who, through their effort in relation to exports, contribute so much to the wealth and well-being of our country".

After talking about the recent liquid petroleum contract signed with China and the beginning of an attempt to initiate free trade negotiations with the US, Howard said: "Those two events illustrate a very important message about this country's trade linkages, and that is that we are a nation that will export to any who will buy, we are a nation that has not put all of our trade or export eggs in the one basket, that we are a nation that simultaneously can entertain negotiating a free trade agreement with the US and also sign that large deal with the People's Republic of China."

"The reality is that a country such as Australia must simultaneously pursue bilateral trading opportunities as well as continue to push the cause for freer and more open multi-lateral trade through the World Trade Organisation."

ResMed also won the category of Australian Made Large Advanced Manufacturer Award. The win tops off a great year for ResMed, which recently announced record profit and revenue results for the quarter ended 30 September.

Other NSW companies to fare well on the honour roll were BridgeClimb, which once again received the Austrade Arts and Entertainment Award, and Infomedia Ltd, who took the ABC Asia Pacific Television Information and Communications Technology Award.

Queensland once again shone with a top collection of awards.

Central Queensland University won the IDP Education Award, while Worley Pty Ltd received the AusIndustry Emerging Exporter Award, MIM Holdings Ltd the First Charlton Communications Minerals and Energy Award, and Ausenco Limited the Australian Business Limited Services Award.

Still with Queensland, a Special Achievement Award was presented to Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman, for both her personal success, and contribution to Australia's international image.

Victoria was represented at the awards by Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, who received the Australia Post Regional Exporter of the Year award.

The Commonwealth Bank Small to Medium Manufacturer award went to Western Australia's Q-Mac Electronics Pty Ltd.