Page 5275 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 15 November 2011
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Of course Canberra and Washington share many attributes. Both are the seats of their national governments and home to major national administrative and security facilities. Both are home to leading national research and education institutions that fuel the growth and development of their knowledge-based economies. And both are home to institutions, museums and monuments that unify and define their respective national psyches and histories.
While the scale might be somewhat different, there is no doubt that there are strong parallels and connections between our two cities and I have returned with a clear view that there are great opportunities for ACT and Australian businesses in the US public sector market.
Seven ACT companies on the exporting solutions to government pilot program were able to participate in the mission. The companies included Intelledox, Isidore, Aspen Medical, NICTA AutoMap, Random Computing Services, Seveno and Quintessence Labs. Washington-based representatives from Canberra companies Noetic Group and Kord Defence also participated in parts of the trade mission program.
In addition to my role of supporting the ACT company programs I also participated in a range of meetings with officials and key decision makers to discuss opportunities around the economic development, education, sport and recreation and tourism portfolios. Some of the key organisations and people that I met with while in Washington included the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to discuss potential developments with the ANU and the Mount Stromlo observatory; the Smithsonian Centre for Education and Museum Studies to discuss a potential exchange program of education officers between the Smithsonian and national capital attractions; the International Economic Development Council to discuss global trends in regional economic development; the Greater Washington Board of Trade to discuss opportunities between Canberra and Washington; and government agencies from the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis to discuss regional economic development and tourism. I also had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Beazley to discuss the success of the pilot program and the potential to grow Australian trade in the US public sector.
MS PORTER: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, can you inform the Assembly of any feedback you have had from businesses?
MR BARR: I am pleased to report that all of the companies have related that the mission has been particularly beneficial. The ACT exporting solutions to government pilot program attracted nine ACT small and medium enterprises from the ACT, companies with a demonstrated capability of delivering innovative solutions based on products or services aimed at delivering more effective public sector administration. Over the course of the mission, company representatives participated in a number of group forums focused on aspects of the US public sector market, panelled pitching practice sessions and business matching programs with public sector decision makers.
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