• 31st year of Western Australian Industry and Export Awards
• Applications for 17 categories open today and close on July 5, 2019
• Opportunity for recognition across a wide range of activities

Applications have today opened for the 2019 Western Australian Industry and Export Awards.

For more than three decades, the awards have served as a means for businesses to gain both local and national recognition for their achievements and contribution to our State's economy.

Mining companies, rural producers, education innovators, and information technology firms have all shared in the awards' spotlight.

This year's awards comprise 17 categories, including 13 export categories that are aligned with the Australian Export Awards (AEA).

Last year Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils, a Kalgoorlie-based business, won the State Regional Exporter Award and went on to win the National Regional Exporter Award at the AEA in Canberra in November 2018.

A new addition to this year's awards is the Exporter to Asia Award that recognises achievements in growing Australia's biggest market - Asia.

This year's export categories include: Health, E-Commerce, Manufacturing, Agribusiness - Food and Beverage, International Education, Mining and Energy Services and Regional Exporter.

An online applications process is now open at https://exportaward.com.au/wa and will close on July 5, 2019.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on September 23, 2019.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"Businesses that succeed, through vision, innovation and a commitment to excellence deserve the recognition that a WA Industry and Export Award brings."

"These successful businesses are vital to creating jobs and diversifying Western Australia's economy."

"Last year our annual merchandise exports were worth almost $145 billion and accounted for 42 per cent of Australia's exports."

"While most of these were resources exports, many of the companies that supply expertise, specialist equipment or skills development to the resources sector, have become globally competitive exporters and important employers in their own right."

"That is why securing greater opportunity for local firms to supply our major export sectors is such an important focus for the Government."

"This year's WA Industry and Export Awards might well reveal Western Australia's next international success story - or equally importantly - encourage another local firm to look to overseas markets."

Comments attributed to Tourism, Small Business and Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

"Taking part in the WA Industry and Export Awards is a great way for businesses to assess their achievements and let their staff members know they are valued."

"Small businesses are important to every part of our State's economy, and there are award categories to suit a wide range of their activities. I encourage small business to get involved."

"Tourism, is an export industry that benefits the State, not only through the jobs, income and investment that tourism businesses create, but also because of the quality of services and facilities that they make available for Western Australians."

"Businesses in our growing defence industry sector are also turning Western Australian ingenuity and expertise into new export industries."

Premier's office - 6552 5000
Tourism, Small Business and Defence Issues Minister's office - 6552 5600