Australian exporters will soon start reaping the benefits of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), with Australia receiving formal notification that Indonesia has completed its domestic ratification processes.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the landmark trade deal with Indonesia would enhance export opportunities and deliver significant benefits for Australian farmers, businesses and investors.

“After discussions earlier this week with my Indonesian counterpart, Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto, we welcome this step that will see the benefits of this trade agreement flow from 5 July this year,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Securing a trade agreement with Indonesia has been a longstanding objective of our government, to further strengthen the strategic partnership between our nations and further expand the choices available for Australian exporters." - Read more of this Media Release.......

The department works with a range of partners to provide workshops for farmers to help them make the most of seasonal conditions. These can be part of an ongoing program or arranged specifically if the need arises. Since 1 May 2018, Agriculture Victoria has delivered over 200 dry seasonal conditions activities and events across the state. Agriculture Victoria has the following dry seasonally focused farmer workshops scheduled in the approaching months for the following regions:

• Gippsland regions workshops
• Northern and North West regions workshops
• Statewide webinars
• Financial literacy program

PMA Australia-New Zealand have released a Guide on coping with COVID-19 in the workplace. The guide provides advice on:

• Recommendations to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19
• Accommodation of workforce
• Staff health and welfare
• Protocols if an employee is found to be infected with COVID-19

Although restrictions will be easing and things appear to be settling down, we still need to remain vigilant to ensure no outbreaks in our industry.

Download a copy of the Guide here...

The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) is up and away, with several IFAM-supported flights now operational. More than 560 Australian businesses have registered their interest in using the IFAM and agreements for 300 freight flights have been secured to date. 

Current scheduled IFAM flights:
The IFAM is currently supporting the following flights to help get Australian produce to international customers quickly:
• Sydney to Tokyo (Narita)

• Brisbane to Singapore, Hong Kong and Auckland

• Melbourne to Singapore, Hong Kong and Auckland

• Brisbane to Cairns to Hong Kong

• Adelaide to Singapore

Please visit the IFAM webpage for the latest flight information and schedules.

Register your interest
Exporters should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to access IFAM flights. Further information on how IFAM works is available on the IFAM webpage. 

Tax Support for Small Business
Is your small business affected by COVID-19? Come to this free 60 minute webinar to find out how the Government’s stimulus package can help your small business.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) resources for business
If your business is being affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) there are resources that can help. Visit the Victorian Chamber of Commerce website for further information.

Interactive Webinars- Melbourne Innovation Centre
Visit the Melbourne Innovation Centre website to view a list of the interactive webinars are delivered as part of the ASBAS Digital Solutions program, in partnership with the Australian Government and Melbourne Innovation Centre. 

Coronavirus business support and financial assistance finder- Business Victoria
A range of assistance is available from the Australian and Victorian governments and other organisations to support businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). Our finder will ask you a series of questions to help you find the funding or support available to you based on your circumstances.

Online workshops for your small business- Business Victoria
All Small Business Victoria workshops are currently being delivered online via Zoom for free. Explore topics on staring your business, building resilience, marketing, finance, and business planning. All workshops are normally low-cost, but right now they are free! Browse workshops here...