Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Our internationally exposed businesses were some of the first to feel the impacts of COVID-19, as many of our large international export destinations shut down parts of their economies before the domestic impact was felt here in Australia. So, knowing they were the first to feel the pain, we put in place additional measures to support them. The government has injected an additional $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants program, recognising that businesses who have invested in good faith in seeking to grow export markets are unlikely to yield dividends from those export markets this year.

Since making that announcement just last week, we have ensured that $44 million has already flowed to almost 1,000 exporters—another example of the government using existing mechanisms where we can to deliver quick, effective support to those who need it. This will help not just our goods exporters but many across the services sector, in arts, education and tourism. In the tourism space I particularly acknowledge those many regional tourism businesses who are doing such a good job as well of sending out a clear message, telling Australians to stay home this Easter. (Time expired)