January 19, 2021 News & Events

Supporting balance of work at home and in the office

Supporting balance of work at home and in the office

So, fast forward to 2021 and the biggest change we have seen from a recruitment perspective is that employees want to continue to “Work At Home”.

Covid-19 forced many companies to create a work at home policy and I think many with great success. Work at home does not mean or need to be 5 days a week. The majority of employees are wanting a balance of work at home and in the office to ensure the team engagement and office support continues.

Below are a few points that may make you think twice before asking your team to come into the office

Increased Demand To Work At Home

The demand for flexibility in ‘where’ and ‘how’ people work has been building for years. Prior to Covid-19, surveys repeatedly showed 80% of employees want to work from home at least some of the time. Over a third would take a pay cut in exchange for the option. While the experience of working at home during this crisis may not have been ideal as whole families were in one location, it gave people a taste of what could be.

Why Management Don’t Want Employees Working At Home

One of the biggest holdbacks of Work At Home is trust—managers simply don’t trust their people to work unsupervised. They are used to managing by counting butts-in-seats, rather than by results. That’s not managing! What’s more, seeing the back of someone’s head tells a manager nothing about whether that person is actually working. If you don’t trust an employee, why are they employed within your business at all?
If employees are given a genuine Work- Life Balance, you will see just how much happier and engaged they are without the stress of commuting, being away from loved ones, workplace interruptions, etc.

Cost Saving Opportunities Of Work At Home

Work-at-home opportunities in the past have been for the attraction and retention of employees, but during Covid-19 it was purely about saving money. Organizational leaders desperate to shed costs, found they could do more with less real estate. Studies have shown employees are not at their desk 50% to 60% of the time! That’s a huge waste of money.

Potential Impact Of Work At Home On Sustainability

One of the reasons climate change experts have a hard time getting people to change their habits is that the impact is hard to see. But even in the early days of Covid-19 we saw a dramatic reduction in traffic, congestion, and pollution. While sadly sustainability has not been a primary driver of remote work in recent years, being able to see the effects may finally flick the switch for employers and employees. The fact is, there is no easier, quicker and cheaper way to reduce your carbon footprint than by reducing commuter travel.
January 19, 2021 News & Events

ECA featured member: Down Under Enterprises

ECA featured member: Down Under Enterprises

ECA Member Down Under Enterprises has been with the ECA for over five years now.

“Our business is over 90 per cent export – so we felt like we needed to be connected with ECA and the resources which ECA makes available to members,” said Phillip Prather, Head of Marketing and Operations at Down Under Enterprises.

Down Under Enterprises is an Australian family owned and operated company which grows, manufactures, markets, and exports across the globe a range of native Australian ingredients on a wholesale basis to manufacturers of products for the cosmetics/personal care, home care, pet care and other industries.

While their leading product is Tea Tree Oil, renowned globally for its antimicrobial properties, the company is also well recognised for a wide range of other Australian native ingredients like Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Lemon Myrtle, and many more.

“Our company was founded in 2001 and until 2014, our sales were 100% export. In fact when we applied for the Export Awards that year, we listed 100% export and ECA contacted us thinking it was a typo on our submission. Our target markets have always been export oriented, to the US originally, and now across all continents and key markets globally,” Mr Prather said.

The company’s key industry verticals are cosmetics and home care products. Both of these industries are becoming more and more quality and regulatory focused.

“A significant amount of our time is spent working through product documentation, regulatory submissions, and various certifications to enable our products to be adopted by companies, especially the multi-nationals. These industries are moving towards a more regulated medical/pharma ingredient environment. What makes it even more challenging is staying up to date with each country/region’s specific requirements – and this level of regulatory scrutiny is constantly increasing,” he added.

“The most exciting thing that happned for Down Under Enterprises in 2020 was the consumer’s reactions to personal care and home care products once confronted with such a health crisis such as COVID-19.
Prior to the epidemic, some manufacturers turned a blind eye to ingredient purity and quality, as long as it gave them the ‘least cost’ option (often adulterated product). From early in the Coronavirus outbreak, we were overwhelmed by manufacturers wanting pure Tea Tree Oil for their personal care and home care cleaning products. When we quizzed them about their requirements, they often stated that it was due to overwhelming consumer demand for purity of the Tea Tree Oil – and Australian origin in particular. So in effect, when consumers’ health was really on the line, they sought out Australian grown Tea Tree Oil, spurning cheap, lowest cost alternatives.”
January 18, 2021 News & Events

Tariff-ic start to 2021 for Australia’s farmers

Tariff-ic start to 2021 for Australia’s farmers

New Year’s tariff cuts build on huge benefits Free Trade Agreements have already delivered for Australia’s agricultural, food and fisheries exporters. Free Trade Agreements deliver further diversified trade opportunities for Australian exporters.

It’s a happy new year for Australian agricultural and seafood exporters, as significant tariff cuts and improved market access on a range of commodities traded across the Americas and Asia take effect.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said 2021 will be a huge opportunity for our agricultural, food and fisheries exporters, with the further tariff reductions a boost to industry’s aim of achieving $100 billion in farmgate value by 2030.
Following the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement’s (IA CEPA) entry into force on 5 July 2020, more than 99 per cent of Australian goods exported to Indonesia enter duty free or under improved and preferential arrangements.
Building on this, from 1 January 2021 Tariff Rate Quotas will increase for live cattle, feed grain and citrus exports to Indonesia.
Tariffs on lamb and beef to Korea, some wine products and barley to Mexico and refined sugar to Canada will all fall in 2021, while exporters to Peru will benefit from tariff cuts on beef and sparkling wine as well as increased quotas for rice, dairy, sugar and sorghum.
On 14 January 2021 remaining tariffs for seafood exports to Vietnam will continue to drop to around 8 per cent, ahead of their complete elimination on 14 January 2022.
“The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) forged by the Australian Government were delivering for our agricultural, food and fisheries exporters.” Minister Littleproud said.
“Korea is Australia’s fourth largest agricultural partner, and Indonesia our fifth largest—the FTAs we have with these nations alone are worth billions to Australian farmers, creating jobs and supporting rural and regional communities.
“The broad range of export markets under these FTAs, along with these continued improvements with tariff reductions, will help to stimulate growth and investment, diversifying our export trade and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The total value of Australia’s exports to CPTPP economies for agricultural and food commodities was $8.4 billion in 2019-20.
“The CPTPP delivered immediate as well as ongoing tariff reductions to enhance market access across the Americas and Asia. It covers many of Australia’s key agricultural and food export commodities, including wine, beef, dairy, wheat and sugar.”

Fast Facts:

  • The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. It entered into force for the initial ratifying countries on 30 December 2018.
  • In full implementation the CPTPP will eliminate more than 98 per cent of tariffs in a trade zone worth $13 trillion when it was signed, covering 500 million people and, providing preferential access for over $5.5 billion of Australian agricultural exports.
  • From 1 January 2021 a range of additional tariff improvements will commence, including further opportunities for expanding trade in wine, sugar, barley, beef and seafood:
– Tariffs for oranges exported to Japan will dropped by a third since the CPTPP came into force, with peak season rates lowering to 20.4 per cent.
– Mexico’s tariff for barley drops to 23 per cent (down from 115 per cent in 2018).
– Mexico’s tariff for beef drops to 15 per cent, down from 25 per cent prior to the CPTPP.
– Canada’s tariff rate for refined sugar will drop to $10.28/tonne, a third of what it was when the CPTPP entered into force.
– In addition to tariffs dropping to zero for high value wines on 1 January 2020, Mexico’s tariff on other wines will drop from 14 per cent to 12 per cent.
– On 14 January 2021 remaining tariffs for seafood exports to Vietnam will continue to drop to around 8 per cent, ahead of their complete elimination on 14 January 2022.
  • The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) entered into force on 5 July 2020. More than 99 per cent of Australian goods exported to Indonesia now enter duty free or under improved and preferential arrangements.
  • From 1 January 2021, Australian exporters gain access to further expanded Tariff Rate Quotas for live cattle, feed grain and citrus.
– Live cattle from 575,000 head – to 598,000 head.
– Feed grain from 500,000 tonnes – to 525,250 tonnes.
– Oranges from 10,000 tonnes – to 10,500 tonnes.
– Lemons and limes from 5,000 tonnes – to 5,125 tonnes.
  • The Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) came into force on 11 February 2020. PAFTA delivered immediate tariff eliminations to key agricultural commodities such as wheat, seafood, sheep meat, most wines, kangaroo meat, almonds, most horticultural goods, and most pork goods.
  • In full implementation PAFTA will eliminate more than 99 per cent of tariffs in South America’s fifth largest economy, worth $226 billion, representing 32.5 million people.
  • On 1 January 2021 the second round of PAFTA tariff cuts will come into effect:
– Beef tariffs will reduce to 10.2 per cent for beef carcasses, down from 13.6 per cent in 2020, and 6.6 per cent for cut beef, down from 8.8 per cent in 2020.
– Sparkling wine tariff reduced to 5.4 per cent down from 7.2 per cent in 2020.
  • The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) entered into force on 12 December 2014. Trade with Korea has remained strong despite the challenges of COVID-19, with growth in horticulture exports including table grapes (199 per cent increase on last season to $43.8m and citrus (93 per cent increase on last season to $10.9m).
  • On 1 January 2021 the 8th round of KAFTA tariff cuts come into effect, delivering benefits across a range of agricultural commodities.
– Beef tariffs will fall from 21.3 per cent to 18.6 per cent with the beef safeguard increasing to 174,087 tonnes.
– Lamb tariffs will fall from 6.7 per cent to 4.5 per cent.
– The duty-free quota for malt barley will increase from 11,262 tonnes to 11,487 tonnes, with a reduction in the out-of-quota tariff from 273.6 per cent to 239.4 per cent.
December 18, 2020 News & Events

​Ministerial Appointment Trade, Tourism & Investment

Ministerial Appointment Trade, Tourism & Investment

Export Council of Australia welcomes the appointment of the Hon Dan Tehan MP as the new the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

“It is a great honour to serve the Australian people as a minister in the Morrison Government and I thank the Prime Minister for asking me to serve as the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.”

“Australia is a trading nation. Our prosperity has been built on trade and our future relies on it. Trade creates jobs, drives innovation and underpins our economic growth. Trade is a mutually beneficial relationship between nations that enhances friendships, understanding, respect and co-operation. I will engage, listen and work tirelessly to advance Australia’s trade interests.

International capital helps us to finance new industries, enhance existing industries, invest in infrastructure and grow our economy. Investment by other nations in Australia also helps boost our exports by driving innovation and technological advancement. Investment by Australian companies overseas provides similar benefits at home and abroad.

Australia’s relationship with the world has been an enduring interest and passion of mine. I walked in the front doors of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1995 as a graduate and it is a great honour to be returning as the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment 25 years later. As a diplomat, as a senior adviser to the Trade Minister and as director of trade policy and international affairs at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I have always strived to engage constructively with all nations, and this will be the approach I will continue to take.

I will work just as hard to grow, promote and strengthen Australia’s tourism industry. My electorate of Wannon is a popular tourist destination, so I have seen first hand the jobs and businesses that it supports and its importance to the life of our nation and, in particular, regional communities. Australia is a world-leading tourist destination that offers incredible attractions, activities and services. I will be proud to represent Australian tourism to the world.

It has been challenging and rewarding to serve as Education Minister. I am proud of what has been achieved in education. In my time as minister, we have delivered significant, long-lasting reforms.

We delivered record, needs-based funding for all schools, as recommended by David Gonski. Importantly, we focused on student outcomes, not just money, and improved teacher training and our focus on literacy and numeracy.

Our Child Care Subsidy continues to support families with the cost of child care so they can work, study and volunteer. Our Government’s decisive action in 2020 helped families, workers and child care providers and educators to navigate the COVID-19 lockdowns like no other country in the world.

In higher education, the Job-ready Graduates reforms will create more university places for Australian students, make degrees cheaper in areas of expected job growth and provide $900 million to fund STEM collaborations between universities and industry. Our additional $1 billion for university research will ensure important research that benefits our nation continues.

I would like to thank all the stakeholders in the education sector who have worked constructively with me to deliver improved educational outcomes for Australians, particularly in this year of challenges.

I congratulate the Hon Alan Tudge MP on his appointment as Minister for Education and Youth. I am confident he will continue to ensure that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to a world-class education.

Most importantly, I would like to thank the people of Wannon for placing their faith in me. I will continue to strongly represent their interests and passionately advocate on their behalf. They understand the importance of service and acting in the nations long-term interest. It is because of their support that I am where I am today.”
December 17, 2020 News & Events

Getting the Export Documentation Right – March 2021 Online Workshops

Getting the Export Documentation Right - March 2021 Online Workshops

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) has developed a series of workshops for companies wanting to understand export documentation requirements and/or gain assistance in training their team in processing documentation correctly and efficiently. Please note there are three workshops available covering different topics – learners can attend one or all three!

The preparation of export documentation can be confusing, time consuming, costly, and prone to human error, but correct export documentation is vital for any exporter to transact business in an efficient and cost effective way.

Topics and dates:

  • International Contracts of Sale & Incoterms 2020 | Monday 15 March 2021 | Register here
  • Export Documentation & Procedures Plus Costing for Export | Wednesday 17 March 2021 | Register here
  • International Payment Documentation & Risk Management | Thursday 18 March 2021 | Register here

Pricing:

$275 incl GST per workshop (2.5 hour duration each)

Register for all three workshops via this link and save $150!
December 16, 2020 News & Events

WTO action to defend interests of Australia’s barley producers

WTO action to defend interests of Australia’s barley producers

The Liberal-National Government will continue to defend the interests of our barley producers and exporters by taking action in the World Trade Organization (WTO) over China’s imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the Government had made this decision after extensive consultation with the grains industry and stands ready to continue to defend the interests of our barley producers and all exporters.

“Whilst Australia respects China’s right, as with any nation, to undertake domestic investigations into anti-dumping matters, we do not agree with China’s decision to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Australian barley,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Australia’s decision to take this step is consistent with our previous use of WTO processes. We have continued to raise our concerns with China on numerous occasions both bilaterally and through the relevant WTO Committees.
“We remain disappointed that China has not engaged with Australia to address these concerns and now believe that calling in the independent umpire is the most appropriate course of action to resolve this dispute.
“The WTO dispute settlement system is designed to allow members to settle their differences over trade matters in a respectful manner. Australia sees this action as an appropriate use of an established system to resolve our differences.
“We will now engage in formal WTO consultations with China with a view to resolving the disagreement before the matter proceeds to adjudication before a panel. We stand ready to work with China at any stage to resolve this issue in a cooperative manner, as we have previously done with other nations.
“WTO dispute resolution processes are not perfect and take longer than would be ideal. However, they give independent and transparent scrutiny to issues, with valuable opportunities for the participation of other nations or third parties.”
Agriculture Minister and Deputy Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud said Australian barley growers deserved to have their case adjudicated by the independent umpire.
“Australia has always supported a rules based trading system, we will always treat our trading partners fairly but we will also stand up for the rights and interests of Australian exporters.
“We have previously taken action against Canada with respect to the treatment of our wine and achieved a positive outcome and we are currently involved in action against India on sugar. I am confident that we will be able to deliver a good outcome for our grains industry.
“Australia has consistently stood firmly by our values and principles and our farmers at all times, and it is important that we continue to protect our sovereignty into the future,” Minister Littleproud said.
December 14, 2020 News & Events

Trade agreement with the Pacific enters into force

Trade agreement with the Pacific enters into force

Farmers, businesses and investors across Australia and the Pacific will have their trade opportunities boosted from today with the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) coming into force.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said PACER Plus was a major step in strengthening Australia’s relationship with our Pacific partners and would play a valuable role in supporting recovery in the region from COVID-19.

“This trade deal ensures greater market access and lower tariffs across a range of products that will benefit communities, farmers, fishers, businesses and investors in our region,” Minister Birmingham said.
“We’re committed to working together to ensure businesses in the Pacific and across Australia take advantage of the new trade and investment opportunities PACER Plus will bring.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne said the entry into force of the Agreement offered important opportunities at a time when the region was focussed on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ll continue to work closely with our Pacific family to bring the Agreement to life. The next phase of PACER Plus represents another opportunity to deliver our shared vision for our Blue Pacific,” said Minister Payne.
Australia will support our Pacific partners to implement the trade agreement, maximising opportunities for their local businesses to access export markets.
Funding under PACER Plus will allow more countries access to an existing program focussed on improving market access to Australia for specific horticultural and agricultural products. By assisting Pacific countries to meet the biosecurity and quality requirements, countries will be able to maintain and develop their agricultural export markets – an important opportunity to support livelihoods through trade.
Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and New Zealand are Parties to the Agreement. The remaining signatories that are yet to ratify are Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Signatories will become Parties to the Agreement 60 days after they have ratified the Agreement.
For more information on PACER Plus, refer to: https://www.dfat.gov.au/PACER-Plus
December 12, 2020 News & Events

Reforms to the Export Market Development Grants scheme pass Parliament

Reforms to the Export Market Development Grants scheme pass Parliament

On the 11th of December, The Parliament passed legislation that backs Australian businesses to grow their exports and create jobs through reforms to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme.

The EMDG scheme is a key Government financial assistance program to help aspiring and current exporters increase their marketing and promotional activities in international markets. Last year alone over 4000 Small and Medium Enterprises accessed the EMDG scheme, employing almost 69,000 Australians and generating exports worth $3.7 billion.
Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham welcomed the passing of the legislation that will better assist Australian exporters to enter new markets or expand their presence in existing markets, which will be critical to boosting export activity and support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“The reforms that passed Parliament following an independent review into the administration of the EMDG scheme centre on cutting red tape, increasing awareness of the scheme and giving exporters more funding certainty,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The legislation shifts the scheme from a reimbursement model to a grants scheme, meaning eligible exporters will now receive funding closer to when they incur costs, giving more confidence that EMDG funding will genuinely boost their international marketing and promotional activities.
“At the same time, simplifying application processes and reducing the administrative burden on exporters whilst still maintaining integrity in the scheme will allow recipients to focus on boosting export activities and ensure maximum return on taxpayer’s investment.
“Schemes like EMDG that support Australian businesses as they look to go global or expand their overseas footprint will be vital to continue growing the number of Australian exporters and the total value of Australian exports into the future which will help create more jobs.”
The new EMDG scheme will commence on 1 July 2021.
For more information on the scheme, please go to: Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
December 11, 2020 News & Events

Recognising Australia’s remarkable exporters

Recognising Australia’s remarkable exporters

Australia’s innovative exporters and investors have today been recognised for the contribution they make to our economy at the online Remarkable Australian Exporters’ Showcase.

The recognition program highlights hundreds of stories submitted by Australian exporters showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of 2020 in creative and inspiring ways.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the recognition program was a unique opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution our exporters make to the economy and to creating more jobs.
“This year has been like no other for Australia’s 53 000 exporters. This is about recognising and celebrating our exporters the incredible resilience they have shown in the face of major disruptions brought on by COVID-19,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Exporters from across Australia have had to find new ways to engage in the trading environment by embracing technology, developing new products or rethinking their operating models.
“The stories of these exporters cover a breadth of talent and ingenuity from premium goods, manufacturing and health services to creative arts and software development.
“After an incredibly tough year for, I’m delighted to recognise our remarkable exporters and the enormous contribution they make to our economy and the millions of jobs they support.”
Eight exporting businesses from across Australia were chosen to feature in the online exporters’ showcase, from a field of 340 businesses:

Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Gee said Australia’s exporters were tackling the challenges of the COIVD-19 pandemic head on.

“Our exporters have demonstrated incredible strength and resilience this year, with many taking risks, pivoting their business models and investing in new technology to remain competitive.

“The Remarkable Australian Exporters’ Showcase is a great opportunity to recognise the hard-work of our Aussie exporters and learn from their stories and experiences.

“The success of our exporters is critical to rebuilding and restoring confidence in Australia’s economy – they spearhead our prosperity.

“We are committed to helping our exporters access new international markets and expand their presence in existing markets, and Australians can do their bit too this festive season by buying local and supporting great Aussie businesses.”

“I also acknowledge Accenture, Korea Zinc and Sledgehammer who received the Minister’s Investment Awards in recognition of the positive contribution foreign direct investment makes to the economy in creating jobs and driving innovation,” Minister Birmingham said.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry have run this year’s program that replaces the Australian Export Awards.

For more information, visit: www.exportawards.gov.au.
December 10, 2020 News & Events

Australia-Singapore digital trade agreement kicks-off

Australia-Singapore digital trade agreement kicks-off

The Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) has kicked-off, setting a new global benchmark for digital trade rules and providing more digital trade opportunities for businesses and consumers in both countries.

The Agreement is expected to deliver practical improvements to lower costs and make it easier for Australian exporters to do business in Singapore, including in areas of personal data protection, e-invoicing, paperless customs procedures, and electronic certification for agricultural exports.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the Agreement would benefit Australia’s digital exports to Singapore, our largest two-way trading partner in South-East Asia.
“This Agreement sets a high standard of rules for digital trade and will transform the way Australian businesses operate and interact with Singaporean businesses and consumers,” Minister Birmingham said.
“As Singapore’s economy continues to become more digitised and sophisticated, this Agreement will make it easier for Australian businesses to connect with the rising number of Singaporean businesses and consumers involved in cross-border digital trade.
“Reducing trade barriers and providing more export opportunities for Australian businesses to reach more customers is absolutely critical as we continue the economic recovery from COVID-19.
“This ambitious digital trade deal sets new benchmarks including simplified arrangements for the exchange of electronic trade documents, and new rules that will prevent unnecessary data localisation requirements, including for the financial services sector, and forced technology transfers which can stifle trade and investment flows.
“Importantly, the Agreement also balances digital trade outcomes with strong protection of privacy and consumer rights, providing certainty for businesses operating online and consumers accessing products and services.”
The DEA upgrades the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) through a new Digital Economy chapter. The full text of the DEA and a summary of its key features are available at: Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement.
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