Return of awards a celebration of Queensland exporter optimism

The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards are back this year, aimed at celebrating the achievements of Queensland companies trading internationally.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament that after a hiatus last year due to COVID-19, the export awards will return this year for their 31^st year.

“Every day I’m impressed by the optimism, perseverance and resilience our exporters show, and it will be with great pride that we can publicly acknowledge them again at this year’s awards,” the Premier said.

“So many of them have risen to the challenges of COVID-19, diversified and found new markets and even created entirely new products to respond to global demands.

“Queensland exports support one in five Queensland jobs, with about 40 per cent of the 7,473 goods exports based in regional Queensland.

“Our exporters and their ability to adapt to keep their businesses going and maintain if not grow a local workforce is critical to our economic recovery and is worth celebrating.”

The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards celebrated its 30^th year in 2019 but were put on hold due to the global pandemic. All states and territories agreed on the hiatus but have backed the return of the awards this year.

Nominations will open in coming weeks, with the Queensland awards presented in October. Queensland winners will be automatically entered in the national awards managed by Austrade, which are expected to be awarded by December.

Brisbane-based global design firm Populous is the current reigning Australian Exporter of the Year after winning in 2019 before the awards were put on hold.

Populous export projects, like Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, illustrate the global calibre and quality of Queensland creative services in architecture and design.

It’s one of the largest architectural firms in the world and generates around 80 per cent of its income from exports and had transformed into a powerhouse within its industry and Australia’s growing services sector.

Populous’ Managing Director for Asia Pacific and a founder of the company Paul Henry said the Premier of Queensland Export Awards are an important part of the Queensland Government’s support for exporters.

“The Queensland Government’s recognition of our work has certainly helped us grow our business in Asia over the past two decades,” Mr Henry said.

Further details on the awards can be found at www.tiq.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell (Premier's office) – 0439 982 347

Greg Sweetnam (Trade and Investment Queensland) - 0447 972 744