Page 1689 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017

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assessing black spots on our roads. Of course, the number one priority for Roads ACT is making sure that our road network is safe. There are a number of different funding pools that contribute to upgrading our road network, principally, of course, within the Transport Canberra and City Services budget but also through the black spot funding provided by the federal government.

MR COE: Minister, has the ACT government ever submitted Long Gully Road to the commonwealth black spot committee and would you also take on notice what work has been done on that road over the past 10 or 15 years?

MS FITZHARRIS: I will take that question on notice.

Economy—trade

MR STEEL: My question is to the Chief Minister. What action is the government taking to encourage increased trade and exports from our region?

MR BARR: I thank Mr Steel for the question and his interest in supporting the growth of exports out of the ACT. Our international engagement strategy sets in place a very clear framework and rationale for how we will engage internationally in the future. It is a strong commitment to entering into a range of international relationships for the social and economic benefit of the territory and it provides clear direction and leadership for our region.

We continue to work closely with Canberra Airport and local and regional industry groups to advance a range of freight opportunities. This was certainly a very strong theme of the program we delivered in Singapore last month. Securing direct international flights has contributed significantly to the capacity of Canberra businesses to advance opportunities in international marketplaces and the ACT government will continue to invest in and enhance existing arrangements and work hard to unlock new aviation opportunities.

We take advantage of our strong relationship with Austrade. This is evidenced by the very strong interest of Australia’s new high commissioner in Singapore in discussions with the Changi Airport freight centre and in meetings with the Singaporean trade minister.

We are also engaging with Singapore Airlines and a number of international freight companies to take full advantage of the unique opportunities provided by Canberra Airport for the air freight market.

MR STEEL: Minister, what support is the government providing directly to local businesses to increase their trade capability?

MR BARR: The export journey starts in Canberra through local business development programs, and the government, in partnership with the Canberra Business Chamber, delivers the highly regarded Chief Minister’s export awards program. This annual business development program provides exporters with the


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