Prestigious business awards open for WA companies

Mr Carpenter said the awards were a great opportunity to highlight the achievements of small and large Western Australian companies.

“The WA Industry and Export Awards recognise the valuable contribution that WA companies at home and overseas are making to this State,” he said.

“They also provide an opportunity to showcase local companies which are opening doors into new markets.

“Last year’s winners included a large range of innovative companies which had shown an outstanding ability to seek new markets, not only within Australia, but also internationally.  I am confident there are many more great businesses which can benefit from this year’s awards.”

The Premier said the awards also reflected the importance of exports to the economic development of WA.

“WA is the nation’s largest exporting State or Territory, accounting for 36.5 per cent of Australia’s exports,” he said.

“The State’s exporting industry is currently valued at more than $60billion, an increase from $55billion recorded during 2006.”

The WA Industry and Export Awards, now celebrating its 20-year anniversary, feature 15 industry and export categories as well as the Premier’s Award for Excellence.

All the State’s export category winners automatically compete as finalists in the Australian Export Awards which are held in Melbourne in December.

The 2008 awards, administered by the Department of Industry and Resources, are sponsored by Austrade, Australia Post, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, Fremantle Ports, Jackson McDonald, Rio Tinto Iron Ore and The West Australian newspaper.

The Australian Institute of Export, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and UnionsWA are endorsing the awards.

For more information and to download an entry form, visit http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/awards or contact June Phillips on (08) 9222 3846 or email awards@doir.wa.gov.au