Recommendations

The Government support trade promotion in key markets during COVID-19 using diplomatic channels to promote Australian services in key markets and supporting industry-led virtual trade missions and virtual symposiums.

With input from the financial services sector, DFAT should review the extent to which information from Treasury, ASIC and APRA is captured in the FTA Portal, with a view to providing more comprehensive and consolidated information for financial services exporters.

DFAT and Austrade should work with regulators and industry bodies to increase FTA-related outreach and training for the services sector, delivered both in-person and through digital platforms.

Ensure creative services and ‘born global’ industries are factored into Government information portals.

Industry and government should work jointly to build a coalition of support at home and overseas to advocate for Australia’s cybersecurity capabilities and interests.

Ensure Australia has ready access to the best tech talent. In addition to recommendation 5A, one option could be to expand the New Colombo Plan to facilitate technology-focused learning exchanges with USA.

Encourage the establishment of an industry-led body to develop a stronger narrative about why e-commerce is good for Australia, particularly for regional Australia, and promote awareness of e-commerce issues. This body could be an industry focal point for engagement in our region.

Establish a mechanism for Government to have continuous consultation with industry on e-commerce policy issues.

Recognise the centrality of e-commerce to the creative services industries and ensure appropriate representation in industry and government processes in developing e-commerce and digital trade policy.

Develop an interactive map, or ensure the Global Business Support Finder can catalogue all available Commonwealth, State and Territory, not for profit, and industry export assistance and information programs, and ensure this stays up to date.

Undertake targeted outreach to ensure that current and aspiring services exporters are aware of these tools. In doing this, the Australian Government should collaborate with professional associations and other non-government partners.

Grants models for schemes such as the Export Market Development Grants should be redesigned to reflect the needs of innovative and ‘born global’ services firms.