National Program Only
How does the judging work for the Australian Export Awards (national program)?
- Step 1: Winners of the 13 national award categories in all State and Territory award programs become ‘National Finalists’ of the Australian Export Awards. These businesses are referred to Austrade to facilitate national judging.
- Step 2: Category Judges from Government and Industry assess National Finalists, providing a score against the judging criteria, and a recommendation for category winner. These judges also note feedback on strengths or areas for improvement.
- Step 3: Financial experts assess the financial data of each National Finalist.
- Step 4: The scoring and insight from Steps 2 and 3 are aggregated and presented to a National Judging Panel, made up of Government and Industry and Chaired by Austrade’s CEO. This panel reviews the recommendations and agrees on a winner for each category. They also make recommendations to the Minister for Trade and Tourism on the Australian Exporter of the Year.
- Step 5: The Minister for Trade and Tourism endorses the National Judging Panel recommendations and selects Australian Exporter of the Year.
Insolvency of an entrant
At any time, following submission of an entry in the Awards, but prior to the presentation ceremony, should the business become insolvent, or their business is placed under administration, the applicant is no longer eligible to receive an award.
The next national finalist will not be elevated to the status of national finalist.
If, following the presentation ceremony, the business returns to solvency, then the award cannot be reclaimed.
What are the judges looking for? How do I make my submission stand out?
Answer the questions and provide accurate and concise information in conjunction with the Judging Criteria to see how the judges will be scoring your application.
Make use of the available word count to draw upon examples and use measurable data to support your claims.
Remember that judges often have a lot of submissions to consider, so make it entertaining and informative.
Judges assess how well you have answered each question. Ensure the information you provide is relevant to each question and your overall submission.
Don’t forget to check your spelling and grammar before you submit.
Why do we have to provide financial data as part of the application? How does the financial judging work for the Australian Export Awards?
- Judges are looking for evidence of a sound capital base (substantial net profit) and sufficient capital (cash and resources) to support export/ international activity
- Whilst estimates can be used for the 22/23 financial year, we encourage you to enter actual figures where available. If actual figures become available before the closing date, you can update your figures accordingly
- Make sure to explain any losses or significant decreases in profits – the judges do not know your business and cannot assume what has caused unusual financial results
- If you succeed as a national finalist the de-identified applications are assessed by Austrade financial team for confidentiality purposes
I am interested in Sponsorship opportunities. Who can I contact?
Please contact export.awards@austrade.gov.au
Do I need a professional writer to win?
Many past winners have written their own submission. You know your business inside and out, that passion cannot be replicated. However, you may certainly use a professional writer if you prefer.
Can I get feedback on my application?
All national finalists have the opportunity to receive feedback on their submission from the judges at the end of the program in December. If you are a national finalist or national winner, you will receive an email from the AEA team regarding this.
I need help with my application, who do I contact?
Contact your state or territory Export Awards program contact with any questions related to your application.
I need help with the online application portal, who do I contact?
For technical support:
- use the Help button at the bottom of your screen of the portal
- email support@simplylogical.net or
- call 02 5100 4009 (support line available between 9:00am to 5:00pm AEST).
Who sees the information supplied in my submission?
All information supplied in your application will be treated as commercial in-confidence.
State and territory and national Export Awards coordinators use the information solely for the purpose of judging the 2023 Australian Export Awards.
All judges sign a confidentiality agreement and conflict of interest declaration.