Agriculture and mining provide much of Australia's export income. But there are also many manufacturers and service providers successfully exporting from regional centres. International visitors contribute to the income and job opportunities provided by tourism in many areas. In its negotiations with other countries, the Government works hard to reduce tariffs, quotas and other barriers to selling Australian products in new and existing markets. Opening markets brings benefits all round.
Exporters win more sales, which boosts jobs and incomes.
At home, lower tariffs bring down the cost of household items for families and cut costs for businesses, making them more competitive. The Commonwealth Government is helping Australian businesses to export. Austrade provides advice and other assistance to exporters TradeStart, a partnership with various public and private sector bodies links regional areas with Austrade's national and global network. It provides infrastructure, eg the widening of the Calder Highway under the Roads of National Importance program will improve travel between Melbourne and North Central Victoria.