The South Australian Liberal Party has unveiled a $5.5 million plan aimed at strengthening the state’s export sector, committing to revive the Export Ready Program if it wins government.
The proposal shows a Hurn Liberal Government reintroducing the program to support local businesses looking to enter or expand in international markets. The initiative is designed to help companies build export capability, diversify their customer base and reduce exposure to domestic market pressures.
“South Australia is home to innovative, high-performing businesses, but too many face real barriers when trying to enter international markets,” shared State Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn. “This program provides hands-on, practical support so businesses can grow, employ more South Australians and strengthen our economy. Backing exporters means backing jobs, growth and long-term economic security for our state”
According to the Liberals, the revived Export Ready Program would feature four key components, including in-person and online training workshops covering export fundamentals, personalised mentoring and masterclasses, a centralised digital export knowledge hub with webinars and an Export Advice Line, and networking events to encourage collaboration and partnership opportunities.
As part of the package, the party has also pledged to reintroduce a dedicated South Australian Export Market Development Grant (SAEMDG). Grants of up to $50,000 would be made available to assist new and existing exporters with costs associated with breaking into overseas markets.
The grants could be used to diversify income streams, adapt products for international customers, attend trade missions and promotional activities, and meet compliance and regulatory standards in foreign markets.
Shadow Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment Tim Whetstone said, “We want to make it easier for South Australian businesses to take that next step, open new markets, and grow with confidence. That also means making sure that businesses know a Liberal Government will have their back when there are market conditions out of their control, such as oversupply or extreme weather events.
“Our Rural Financing Fund provides no and low-cost loans to help farmers, wineries and grape growers to bounce back so they can continue putting SA on the global stage.”
The Liberals say that the combined measures would strengthen economic resilience, support job creation, and encourage investment across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
The policy forms part of the party’s broader economic platform ahead of the next state election and would be implemented if the Liberals form government.
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