Austrade's response to COVID-19
Changed the way we deliver free trade agreement seminars
Austrade transformed the way we delivered free trade agreement (FTA) seminars in response to the restrictions caused by the global pandemic. We continued to provide information to exporters by pivoting to a new digital format to deliver a further three FTA seminars as national webcasts.
Reconnected Australia’s international airfreight supply chains
With global trade disrupted due to the reduction of passenger flights, the government responded by introducing the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM). The IFAM has helped secure over 30,000 tonnes of high-value, time-sensitive exports within the first 3 months of operation.
Supported zoos and aquariums
A support package received 139 applications, with 84 grant approvals to help maintain and care for animal populations during the COVID-19 crisis, so zoos and aquariums are ready to reopen and welcome visitors back when restrictions ease.
Ensured exporters had the right guidance to access JobKeeper
Austrade advocated for the importance of ensuring the JobKeeper scheme applied to Australian exporters after industry raised concerns on eligibility. This advocacy resulted in revised guidance material being provided that clarified the eligibility of exporters to access JobKeeper.
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https://www.transparency.gov.au/annual-reports/australian-trade-and-investment-commission/reporting-year/2019-20-11