Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Part one: Overview and Strategic Objectives
Table of contents
01 Overview
2
Secretary’s foreword
2
Major Department changes during 2012-13
4
DSDBI objectives
5
Our ministers
5
Organisational chart
7
Major achievements for 2012-13
10
Governance arrangements
13
02 Strategic Objectives
15
Assist business in accessing skilled workers to align with Victoria’s industry needs
15
Promote Victoria to attract tourists, investors and students
17
Support organisations to boost their productivity through innovation
21
Provide market intelligence and assistance to organisations to make it
easy to invest in Victoria
26
Create more opportunities for Victorian businesses to grow and become
more productive and competitive in the global marketplace
29
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
01 Overview
SECRETARY’S FOREWORD
ECONOMIC CONTEXT
Victorian businesses continued to face difficult trading conditions during 2012-13, reflecting
subdued national and global economic settings, the high Australian dollar (for most of the
year) and ongoing cautious consumer and business sentiment. Pressures on both tradeexposed and domestic industries have continued, with firms looking for efficiency gains and
cost reductions. Consolidation of operations, including closure of some facilities has,
unfortunately, been the outcome in some instances.
The fundamentals of the Victorian economy remain sound, with growth expected to
strengthen in 2013-14 to 2.25 per cent (from the forecast outcome of 1.5 per cent in 2012-13).
This compares favourably with Australia’s other non-mining states and international peers.
Many of the previous drivers of growth remain important, although contributing at lower levels:
population growth, especially net migration, remains strong and above the national level;
Victoria continues to have the strongest non-residential building sector in Australia; and many
housing indicators such as housing finance and dwelling investment are showing growth.
Confidence has been slowly improving, reflecting the low inflation and low interest rate
environment, and the recent shift in the exchange rate.
Outcomes on employment, investment and exports have been mixed, with employment
growth picking up at the end of 2012-13. While unemployment has risen, participation in the
workforce has declined. Competition for job vacancies is strong as the level of job
advertisements has declined both in Victoria and nationally. Investment activity has remained
quiet, although the housing market has shown recent positive signs.
Victoria’s outlook remains more sensitive to the exchange rate than most states. While recent
falls may contribute to a more positive outlook, the current (lower) level is still high by
historical standards and short-term movements are uncertain. Other positives for the outlook
come from improved economic performance in the United States and Japan, although these
are offset by concerns about the outlook for China and the future of quantitative easing in the
United States.
THE DEPARTMENT
In April 2013, the Department of Business and Innovation became the new Department of
State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI). It includes Regional Development
Victoria, energy and resources, and whole-of-government ICT, together with its existing
portfolios. A new Office of State Development brings the Department’s investment attraction
and facilitation activities together in one division and will facilitate significant investment and
development projects, requiring a whole-of-government approach. The Office of the Red
Tape Commissioner also joins the Department to advise the Minister for State Development
and the Minister for Employment and Trade on cutting business costs.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
These and other changes announced at the time reflected, in the words of Premier Napthine,
a desire by the Government for “the public service to offer a proactive ‘open for business’
culture across the whole-of-government.” They are also a natural extension of the work
undertaken by the Department over the whole of 2012-13, with our continued focus on
assisting businesses to export, invest and innovate – three activities critical to the state’s
economic growth.
Details of the Department’s achievements and activities for 2012-13 are contained throughout
this report. They confirm that this past year has once again been a very active, challenging
and productive time for the Department as Victoria’s lead economic development agency.
The Government’s Business Engagement Model has continued to expand as our key way of
working directly with business to help boost productivity, encourage innovation and develop
new markets. During 2012-13, the Department’s Business Development Managers, based in
16 Victorian Government Business Offices (VGBOs) across metropolitan and regional
Victoria met with more than 12,700 Victorian companies to identify barriers to growth faced by
individual firms and infrastructure, and skills and regulatory issues where we can advocate for
and lead a broader Government response.
The Department has also continued its active pursuit of investment opportunities from local
and international companies seeking to establish, expand or diversify in Victoria. In the 201213 financial year, the Victorian Government facilitated 166 projects valued at more than $2.2
billion which are expected to generate 4,737 new jobs.
The Department’s trade engagement program grew strongly in 2012-13, providing direct
support for companies to develop new export markets and skills, and organising a wide range
of inbound and outward Trade Missions, including four very successful Super Trade Missions
– to China, the Gulf States and Turkey, India and South-East Asia. Super Trade Missions, led
by the Premier or senior ministers, include between 100 and 500 companies, and provide the
critical mass for building enduring relationships with large and diverse markets.
As well as these Super Trade Missions, throughout 2012-13 the Department also delivered
22 smaller Trade Missions targeted at particular industries or events in high-growth markets.
Complementing this outbound program, the Department helped organise and support 16
inbound investment and buyer missions to Victoria in 2012-13, including major missions to
the International Food and Beverage Trade Week, the Australian International Air Show and
Australian Automotive Week.
Fostering innovation in research and development activities at the firm and industry level, and
in how we engage with businesses, remained a key focus for the Department over the past
year. This included developing and supporting networks and collaborations to share ideas
and information, and new programs to help companies make better use of Victoria’s
outstanding innovation and technology capabilities. These activities include the successful
rollout of the Innovation Voucher Program, which matches small and medium-sized
businesses with appropriate skills and services suppliers, and the Investing in Manufacturing
Technology Program, which supports high-performing manufacturers to become more
internationally competitive by adopting new technologies or processes. Similarly, the
Technology Voucher Program, launched in September 2012, has provided successful
recipients with funding to support the testing and adoption of new technologies.
The Small Business Festival, held during August 2012, raised awareness of Government and
private sector support services available for small businesses and provided workshops and
network opportunities to support business growth and competitiveness.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
The Major Projects portfolio achievements in 2012-13 included the $288 million BioSciences
Research Centre (AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience), a state-of-the-art agricultural research
facility at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus, which was formally opened by the
Premier, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Agriculture and Food Security in April
2013. The $135.8 million redevelopment of the Victorian Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall was also
completed, with a refurbished foyer for greater ease of movement, auditorium improvements
including new seating and improved acoustics, and external improvements that better
connect Hamer Hall with the Southbank precinct and the Yarra River. Construction of
Melbourne Park’s new Eastern Plaza and National Tennis Centre were completed ahead of
schedule and in time for the start of the 2013 Australian Open in January. Construction of the
Western Precinct remained on schedule to be completed in time for the 2015 Australian
Open.
Looking ahead, a new Departmental structure, effective from 1 July 2013, will allow us to
meet our expanded economic development responsibilities and clearly integrate them with
current initiatives and programs to support business growth. I particularly look forward to new
opportunities to bring together our work on investment attraction and facilitation across the
state with our energy and earth resources, major projects, innovation and technology, and
international engagement and trade functions. Small business and key service industries
such as tourism, international education, and financial, professional and technical services
will also continue as Departmental priorities for 2013-14.
I would like to thank all members of the Department for their hard work and professionalism
throughout a very busy year of major change. Now, as the new Department of State
Development, Business and Innovation, we are even better placed to lead an ‘open for
business’ culture across the whole-of-government that contributes strongly to Victoria’s
economic growth.
Howard Ronaldson
Secretary
MAJOR DEPARTMENT CHANGES DURING 2012-13
CHANGES IN MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
On 13 March 2013, on the advice of the Premier, His Excellency the Governor of the State of
Victoria withdrew the following ministerial appointment relevant to the Department:

The Hon. Richard Dalla-Riva, MLC, as Minister for Employment and Industrial
Relations, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade
His Excellency the Governor of Victoria made the following ministerial appointments:





The Hon. Peter Ryan, MLA, as Minister for
State Development
The Hon. Louise Asher, MLA, as Minister for Employment and Trade
The Hon. Robert Clark, MLA, as Minister for Industrial Relations
The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras, MLA, as Minister for Energy and Resources
Mr David Hodgett, MLA, as Minister for Manufacturing, Minister for Major Projects
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT CHANGES
On 9 April 2013, the name of the Department was changed to the Department of State
Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI) by order of the Governor in Council.
The new Department incorporates an office of State Development to provide whole-ofgovernment coordination of strategic investment projects, and the added portfolios of
Regional Development Victoria, energy and earth resources and whole-of-government ICT.
Joint co-ordinating ministers for the new DSDBI are the Minister for State Development (the
Hon. Peter Ryan) and the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business (the Hon.
Louise Asher).
Staff carrying out policy and advice functions relating to private sector workplace relations
transferred to the Department of Treasury and Finance, effective 3 June 2013.
DSDBI OBJECTIVES
The Department of State Development, Business and Innovation is the Victorian
Government’s lead agency for economic development. The Department develops and
implements a diverse range of programs, initiatives and projects designed to attract and
facilitate investment, encourage exports, generate job opportunities, stimulate innovation,
and promote Victoria nationally and internationally.
DSDBI’s objectives include:





assisting businesses in accessing skilled workers to align with Victoria’s industry
needs
promoting Victoria to attract tourists, investors and students
supporting organisations to boost their productivity through innovation
providing market intelligence and assistance to organisations to make it easy to
invest in Victoria
creating more opportunities for Victorian businesses to grow and become more
productive and competitive in the global marketplace
OUR MINISTERS
01
The Hon. Louise Asher, MLA
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business
Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Minister for Employment and Trade
(from 13 March 2013)
02
The Hon. Peter Ryan, MLA
Minister for State Development
(from 13 March 2013)
Minister for Regional and Rural Development
03
The Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips, MLC
Minister for Technology
Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry
04
The Hon. David Hodgett, MLA
(from 13 March 2013)
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Minister for Major Projects
Minister for Manufacturing
05
The Hon. Dr Denis Napthine, MLA
Minister for Major Projects
(1 July 2012 to 13 March 2013)
Minister for Regional Cities
06
The Hon. Richard Dalla-Riva, MLC
(1 July 2012 to 13 March 2013)
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations
Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade
07
The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras, MLA
(from 13 March 2013)
Minister for Energy and Resources
08
The Hon. Robert Clark, MLA
(from 13 March 2013)
Minister for Industrial Relations
OUR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
09
Russell Northe, MLA
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism
10
Damian Drum, MLC
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development
(from 13 March 2013)
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (at 30 June 2013)
Minister for Energy and Resources

The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras MLA
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business
Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Minister for Employment and Trade

The Hon. Louise Asher MLA
Minister for Major Projects
Minister for Manufacturing

The Hon. David Hodgett MLA
Minister for Regional Cities

The Hon. Dr Denis Napthine MLA
Minister for Technology
Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry

The Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips MLC
Minister for State Development
Minister for Regional and Rural Development

The Hon. Peter Ryan MLA
Parliamentary Secretary
Small Business And Tourism

Russell Northe MLA
Small Business Commissioner

Geoff Browne
Risk and Audit committee
Secretary
Howard Ronaldson
Red Tape Commissioner
John Lloyd
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development
Damian Drum
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Energy and Earth Resources*
Deputy Secretary
Sandra Denis
Innovation and Technology
Deputy Secretary
Grantly Mailes

Technology Industries

Science and Technology Programs

Innovation and Technology Capabilities

Science and Technology Policy
Tourism and Airline Services
Chief Executive/Deputy Secretary
Leigh Harry

Tourism Victoria

Marketing

Strategy and Policy

Aviation and Investment Attraction
Trade and industry development
Deputy Secretary
Justin Hanney

Investment

International Coordination Office

Export

Industry Development

Metropolitan/Regional Victorian Government Business Offices

Programs and Small Business

Labour Markets and International Education
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Investment and Major Projects
Deputy Secretary
Peter Noble

Major Projects Victoria

Invest Assist

Melbourne Market Relocation Project
Policy
Deputy Secretary
John Robinson

Policy and Research

Strategic Planning and Ministerial Services

Infrastructure

Regulation Reform
Corporate Services
Deputy Secretary
Rob Barr

Human Resources

Information Management and Technology

Legal, Audit and Risk

Strategic Communications

Finance

Business Services

Business Victoria Online
Office of State Development*
Acting Deputy Secretary
Matt Carrick
Regional Development Victoria*
Deputy Secretary
Lachlan Bruce
* New Divisions added to the Department following the machinery-of-Government changes
announced on 9 April 2013.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2012-13
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
The Department continued its proactive approach to engaging with businesses across
Victoria through its Business Engagement Model. Business Development Managers
consulted with more than 12,700 Victorian businesses to gather information and better
understand the business environment. This consultation better informs the Department to
assist business to achieve sustainable growth and enhanced productivity.
The business.vic.gov.au website provided a vital link between Victorian businesses and
Government, with 2.92 million visits and more than 725,000 in-depth interactions occurring
between businesses and Government throughout 2012-13. The website features information
and tools to make compliance easier, improve business skills and solve problems to help
businesses grow. The Government also interacted with business through the more than
70,000 subscribers to the Small Business Victoria Update eNewsletter, and received more
than 27,800 calls and emails through its Business Victoria Contact Centre, which offers
referrals to business advice and support.
The network of Victorian Government Business Offices was extended with the opening of the
Eastern Metropolitan VGBO in Ringwood. Six regional Business Leaders Forums were held
in Ballarat, Benalla, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura and Traralgon. Hosted by the Deputy Premier
Peter Ryan, these forums were attended by up to 200 local business people.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Department delivered opportunities for Victorian organisations through strategic
engagement with overseas markets. As part of the Government’s international engagement,
the Department continued its successful Trade Mission Program in 2012-13, including four
Super Trade Missions to China, the Gulf States and Turkey, India and South-East Asia.
More than 1,000 organisations participated in the Super Trade Missions. The projected export
sales as reported by participants from the four Super Trade Missions over the 13-24 month
period was $1.3 billion.
From 2013-14, projected export sales will be reported for a two-year-period following
participation in an export program (this reflects a change in budget reporting for future years).
The Department also hosted major inbound missions throughout 2012-13. These missions
were designed to coincide with major events, including Australian Automotive Week, the
International Food and Beverage Trade Week and the Australian International Airshow, and
Aerospace and Defence Exposition.
International education is one of the state’s most valuable export sectors. International
education generated $4.36 billion in expected revenue in 2012 and provides an estimated
30,500 jobs. During 2012-13, more than 80 Victorian education and training organisations
participated in overseas Trade Missions.
The Study Melbourne website underwent a redevelopment to strengthen its role in promoting
Victoria as a study destination. In 2012-13, 45 Victorians were awarded Hamer Scholarships
of $10,000 to study Chinese-language in Victoria’s sister-state, Jiangsu, China.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
INVESTMENT FACILITATED
The Department facilitated more than 166 investment projects for Victoria, totalling more than
$2.2 billion during 2012-13. Projects included the new Kraft Foods Asia Pacific Confectionery
Centre of Excellence – Australia’s largest food research and development centre – in
Ringwood; the expansion of Cotton On’s headquarters in Geelong North; and the new $17
million Nine Mile Fresh apple sorting, grading and packaging facility in Tynong.
The Department continued to implement the Victorian Government’s manufacturing strategy
through the launch of two programs aimed to lift the productivity and competitiveness of
Victoria’s manufacturing sector, including the Investing in Manufacturing Technology Program
and the first round of Manufacturing Productivity Networks Program.
The Department facilitated the Victorian Government’s partnership with the Commonwealth to
deliver the $42 million Automotive New Markets Program to assist Victorian automotive
businesses to diversify into new products or markets. The Department also secured an
investment for Toyota to locally manufacture the next major facelift to the Toyota Camry.
SMALL BUSINESS
The Department continued to provide year-round assistance for small business through a
range of practical services and programs delivered through Small Business Victoria. These
included: low-cost workshops and seminars in Melbourne and regional Victoria; the Small
Business Mentoring Service; the Small Business Festival; and the Streetlife initiative.
The Department managed the interaction between businesses and the Government via
business.vic.gov.au, the Business Victoria Contact Centre, its eNewsletter and social media.
There were 2.92 million visits to business.vic.gov.au during 2012-13. The website, together
with the Contact Centre and social media platforms allows businesses to access information,
ask questions and manage their interactions with Government. There were about 383,300
social media interactions and more than 27,800 calls and emails to the Contact Centre during
2012-13. There are more than 70,000 subscribers to the Small Business Victoria Update
eNewsletter.
INNOVATION
Launched in September 2012, the Victorian Government’s Innovation and Technology
Voucher Programs represent two new ways of engaging with Victorian businesses, providing
nimble and responsive funding through vouchers to help businesses develop better products,
processes and services for local and global markets. Innovation, including the uptake of new
technologies, is a critical driver of productivity. A total of 100 vouchers was awarded under
the Innovation Voucher Program and 54 vouchers were awarded under the Technology
Voucher Program during 2012-13.
The $10 million Victorian Design Initiatives 2012-2015 strategy was announced in September
2012 to help Victorian businesses innovate by understanding and integrating best-practice
design to improve business performance.
In April 2013, the Export Design Program and Design Matters, the Government’s brand for its
new Public Design Program, were announced to promote greater awareness of design
among the general public and business, and to build Victoria’s design profile. The Export
Design Program provides support for Victorian design businesses to attend international trade
fairs, meetings to arrange or confirm sale contracts, and to carry out export market research.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
TECHNOLOGY
In December 2012, the Government supported 78 companies through workshops, seminars
and industry visits as part of its Collaborative Networks Pilot Program. This $1.2 million
program supports the development of four networks in diverse areas of industry, including
agriculture and manufacturing, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, technical textiles and
composites industries, and textile, clothing and footwear for the mining sectors. The new
networks have facilitated 10 new collaborative industry and research projects.
In September 2012, the Government launched its Technology Voucher Program to facilitate
the uptake of biotechnology, small technologies and ICT across industry sectors. More than
40 Technology Development Vouchers were awarded during 2012-13, valued at up to
$50,000. The funds will assist companies to develop technologies or integrate technologies
into a product, process or service.
In April 2013, the Department announced the recipients of Technology Implementation
Vouchers, valued at up to $250,000. These vouchers enable businesses to explore the use of
cutting-edge technologies to create more competitive products and processes. Projects
included the development of a new diagnostic tool for the forensic industry, a cloud-enabled
livestock weight management system, a renewable solvent to replace existing petroleumderived products, and large-scale production of an additive to improve the strength of plastics.
TOURISM AND MAJOR EVENTS
In September 2012, the Government’s first dedicated brand campaign to the China market
was unveiled as part of the China Super Trade Mission. The $8 million integrated marketing
campaign promoted Victoria in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen using
advertising, print, social media and public relations activities. The campaign also featured a
fully redeveloped Chinese-language website.
To complement the brand campaign in China, the Government launched an integrated trade
and consumer marketing campaign, providing information on tourism experiences available in
Melbourne and Victoria, and promoting themed travel packages. Over the six-week
campaign, the microsite featured 30 new themed Victorian travel packages, attracted more
than 50,000 visitors, more than 18,000 campaign participants and nearly 4,000 new fans to
Tourism Victoria’s Sina Weibo media channel.
EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
The Department nominated 651 business migrants for provisional and permanent residency
visas in 2012-13. These businesses expect to invest up to $1.1 billion and create more than
1,300 jobs in Victoria. The Department also nominated 768 business migrants – who
successfully established businesses in Victoria while holding a provisional visa – for
permanent residency. The business activities of these migrants have resulted in investment of
$227 million and the creation of 871 jobs across the state.
The Department also assessed the overseas qualifications of 1,191 recently arrived
individuals who are keen to pursue further education and employment in Victoria. The leading
sources of migrants in this category were India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan, New Zealand and
the Philippines.
The Department also continued to advocate for a fair and productive regulatory and policy
framework to influence workforce participation, industrial relations and skilled and business
migration. Measures included its submission to the Annual Wage Review 2012-13.
The Department placed 341 young people in the Victorian public sector under the Youth
Employment Scheme.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
AVIATION AND AIRLINE SERVICES
The $20 million Regional Aviation Fund supports infrastructure upgrades at regional publicuse aerodromes. As at 30 June 2013, funding of $9.8 million has been committed to upgrade
aeronautical infrastructure at Bendigo, Colac, Warrnambool, Latrobe, Edenhope, Cohuna,
Benalla, Stawell and Wangaratta airports. The infrastructure upgrades ensure Victoria has a
network of safe and accessible regional airports that can be used by a greater variety of
aircraft in all-weather conditions, including emergency services aircraft.
In February 2013, the Department facilitated the launch of Sichuan Airlines’ Australian
services to Melbourne. The airline commenced direct flights connecting Melbourne with
Chengdu, a major inland economic hub, three times per week. This will provide an additional
820 seats per week, or 42,744 seats per annum, between Melbourne and China’s fastestgrowing region.
MAJOR PROJECTS
Major Projects Victoria managed approximately $1.9 billion worth of major projects in delivery
stages, including the Melbourne Park Redevelopment and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s
Future of Organisational Learning
and Development project.
GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
Governance is the system by which organisations are directed and controlled, providing the
foundations for sound decision-making and accountability.
The Department’s governance framework:




has established processes for developing organisational strategy and direction
ensures compliance and accountability
contains clearly defined structures and relationships
maintains performance monitoring and review processes
The Secretary, as head of the Department, is accountable to the Department’s ministers for
governance of the Department. The Secretary chairs the Strategy and Management Team
(SMT), the strategically focused leadership team for the Department that provides an
integrated approach for operations, emphasising accountability, prioritisation and coordination
of whole-of-department issues.
The SMT consists of the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, the Executive Director, Strategic
Communications, and the Executive Director, Strategic Planning and Ministerial Services.
It meets weekly and is responsible for:




determining the Department’s strategic direction, consistent with government policy
appropriately resourcing the Department’s activities
building a high-performance culture
actively managing relationships with stakeholders
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
The Secretary is assisted by key committees, including the:
Planning Committee, chaired by the Secretary: provides long-term strategic leadership on
whole-of-portfolio priorities and challenges, and standards for corporate and business
planning.
Information Management and Technology Strategy Board, chaired by the Deputy Secretary,
Innovation and Technology: responsible for developing strategies for information
management initiatives and significant new business systems, and establishing the
appropriate governance arrangements.
Information Security Committee, chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services:
responsible for ensuring that information security practices, including policies, systems and
employee awareness, are effective in maintaining the integrity of Departmental information
and compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
Accredited Purchasing Unit, chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services:
responsible for overseeing the Department’s procurement and contracting process through
delegated powers assigned by the Victorian Government Purchasing Board.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee, chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Corporate
Services: facilitates cooperation and consultation between the Department and employees in
instigating, developing and implementing initiatives designed
to ensure the health and safety of employees.
People Committee, chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Trade and Industry Development:
responsible for guiding the development of departmental workforce and people strategies,
shaping organisational culture and monitoring the delivery of key initiatives.
Environment Steering Committee, chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services:
responsible for endorsing the Department’s Environment Policy, Environmental Management
System and annual Environmental Management Program, and for ensuring compliance with
relevant audit and reporting requirements.
Workplace Partnership Committee, chair is shared between the Deputy Secretary, Corporate
Services, and a Community and Public Sector Union industrial officer: responsible for
providing a formal mechanism for communication and consultation between management and
staff consistent with the principles of the Victorian Public Service Workplace Determination
2012.
RISK AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Risk and Audit Committee is an independent body established in accordance with the
Financial Management Act 1994. It reviews risk management activity and key systems of
internal control, including internal and external audit.
The Committee operates under an approved charter and comprises an independent chair,
three independent members and one departmental member. Members of the Department’s
2012-13 Risk and Audit Committee were:






Michael Perry – Independent chair
Fiona Bennett – Independent member
Merran Kelsall – Independent member (To December 2012)
Peter Lewinski – Independent member
Mark Darmody – Independent member (From March 2013)
Sonja Gibson – Departmental member
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
02 Strategic Objectives
ASSIST BUSINESS IN ACCESSING SKILLED WORKERS
TO ALIGN WITH VICTORIA’S INDUSTRY NEEDS
The Government supports Victorian industries and businesses in addressing skills shortages
across a number of sectors, including health, engineering, science and ICT.
In 2012-13, Victoria nominated 1,331 skilled migrants with skills in high demand for
permanent residency visas, including 310 international student graduates, mainly nurses, life
scientists, chemists, university lecturers and engineering technologists. More than 1,191
Victorian residents were assisted in having their overseas qualifications recognised. The
Department also nominated 651 new business migrants who expect to invest up to $1.1
billion in the Victorian economy.
The Department managed the Youth Employment Scheme. This program encourages the
creation of structured training and employment opportunities for young people aged 15 to 24
years by providing a wage subsidy for traineeships in the Victorian public sector. It helps build
skills and opportunities for local labour markets and career pathways for those who are
disadvantaged.
In 2012-13, 341 young people commenced employment in the Victorian public sector under
the scheme. Seven youth employment projects for the private sector placed 115 young
people into employment.
In 2012, the Government launched its Innovation Voucher Program, including the Innovation
Skills Vouchers, to assist businesses in developing and commercialising new products and
processes to improve productivity and competitiveness. Early feedback shows almost a third
of Innovation Skills applications are from regional Victoria and that small and medium-sized
businesses across the state are keen to embrace innovation in their everyday business
activities. Together with the Innovation Business Research and Development Vouchers and
the Technology Voucher Program, these initiatives continue to promote the existence of a
pool of highly skilled people. This ensures that companies will have access to the necessary
skills needed for success in accessing global markets.
The success of the Victorian biotechnology sector depends on the ability of companies to
attract and retain highly skilled people. To ensure Victoria remains at the forefront of
biotechnology innovation, in October 2012, the Government launched initiatives designed to
build the commercial, business and technical skills of Victoria’s biotechnology workforce.
These initiatives deliver against targets under Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future –
Biotechnology.
Throughout 2012-13, the Government continued to advocate for Victoria’s interests in
workplace relations reviews and proceedings.
For example, the Department prepared the Victorian Government submission to the Annual
Wage Review 2012-13. The submission urged the Fair Work Commission, when making its
decision, to take account of the soft labour market performance and outlook, and the limited
capacity for employers to absorb or pass on increases in minimum wages. It also noted the
importance of retaining incentives for parties to bargain at the enterprise level. The Fair Work
Commission referenced the Victorian Government submission at a number of points
in its decision.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
The Government also supported Bendigo TAFE’s High Court appeal of the full Federal Court
Barclay decision, which was an important test case on the Fair Work Act’s general protections
laws. In late 2012, the High Court unanimously allowed the appeal and ordered the
respondents to pay the TAFE’s costs of the appeal.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
INNOVATION VOUCHER PROGRAM AND TECHNOLOGY VOUCHER
PROGRAM
These two complementary initiatives assist companies to develop new and improved
products, processes and services that will enhance their productivity and competitiveness
through the use of cutting-edge technologies. The programs provide Victorian businesses
with improved access to the state’s extensive research and development and technology
expertise in order to support innovation.
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT MODEL
Throughout 2012-13, the Department continued to deliver the Government’s Business
Engagement Model. The model aims to build enduring relationships with individual
businesses and capture business intelligence to better inform the Government of the key
issues affecting business. Policy processes informed by business intelligence include reforms
to the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations, which came into effect in
December 2012, and the Victorian Waste Policy, released in April 2013. The Department also
regularly shares a summary of business intelligence with the Environment Protection
Authority and the Victorian Work Cover Authority so that issues can be identified and
addressed.
The Department delivers the Business Engagement Model through its network of Victorian
Government Business Offices throughout Victoria, including the Ringwood office, which
opened in 2013. In 2012-13, the Department engaged with more than 12,700 Victorian
companies, and facilitated six regional Business Leaders Forums.
The Department also established a partnership with the Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development to place skill and training experts within Victorian Government
Business Offices. These experts will assist businesses navigate training systems and access
support through the Victorian Training Guarantee.
ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES
The Department is delivering integrated initiatives to improve Aboriginal employment rates.
These initiatives have resulted in sustainable ongoing employment (16 weeks of continuous
work) for 94 Indigenous job seekers in the period from 1 July 2012 to 14 June 2013.
The Government’s Employment StartUp for Indigenous Jobseeker Program supports job
seekers by providing training, mentoring and work placements in 17 metropolitan and regional
locations across the state.
Partners in the program include industry organisations, local Governments, Indigenous
organisations, high-profile sporting clubs and community specialist organisations, such as the
Australian Retail Association, the Municipal Association Victoria, the Victorian Transport
Association, Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs and the Victorian Rugby
Union. This project has 1,149 participants, with 560 placed in employment.
The Department has also partnered with the Australian Retail Association’s Retail Institute to
assist with the delivery of the Bridge to Work Program. This program offers Aboriginal job
seekers quality retail employment opportunities, retail-based training with a focus on skills
directly relevant to working in retail.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
PROMOTE VICTORIA TO ATTRACT TOURISTS,
INVESTORS AND STUDENTS
Tourism remains a significant economic driver for Victoria, worth $19.1 billion a year or 5.8
per cent of the total Victorian economy in 2011-12. The tourism industry generated more than
200,000 jobs or seven per cent of the employment in Victoria in 2011-12. China was Victoria’s
largest source of international visitors in 2012, and the second largest source of visitors to
Australia behind New Zealand.
The second phase of the Department’s Play Melbourne campaign played a significant role in
attracting visitors from New Zealand to Melbourne and regional Victoria. The Melbourne Now!
campaign – the first Australian tourism campaign to focus on markets beyond the major cities
in India – garnered more than 200,000 Facebook fans and was seen by more than five million
people.
In 2012, spending by international overnight visitors to Victoria reached a record $4.4 billion,
an increase of 2.1 per cent year-on-year. The latest forecasts indicate that Victoria will gain
65 per cent of expected tourism expenditure growth to 2021-22 from international markets,
especially China and India. Chinese overnight visitors also had the highest expenditure of all
international visitors to Victoria in 2012, following 8.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Chinese
visitors to Victoria spent more than the next three largest markets combined (New Zealand,
UK and Malaysia), accounting for more than one-fifth of total international visitor expenditure
in Victoria.
National Visitor Survey results showed Victoria experienced an increase in domestic
overnight expenditure of 4.2 per cent to reach $10.3 billion in 2012. At the same time,
domestic overnight visitors to Victoria increased by 1.9 per cent to reach 18 million in 2012.
The Department continued to promote Victoria as a destination of excellence in education,
delivering a range of initiatives to attract international students to Victoria’s educational
institutions. This includes supporting the participation of more than 80 Victorian education and
training organisations on Super Trade Missions to China, India, the Gulf States and Turkey,
and South-East Asia, as well as the Department’s education mission to Japan.
The Department also supported senior inbound delegations from Brazil, Iraq, India, Japan
and Turkey.
In 2012-13, the Department completed a major redevelopment of the Study Melbourne
website – the Victorian Government’s portal to information on post-secondary study options in
Melbourne and Victoria. The redevelopment included 10 language versions and mobile sites
in five languages.
The Department continued to provide support for international students in Victoria, including:
the International Student Care Service, which provides free and confidential support and
welfare advice for international students; the Student Welcome Desk at Melbourne Airport;
two International Student Information Days; and a free Culture Card for international students.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
During 2012-13, the Government established Victorian Government Business Offices in
Beijing, Chengdu and Mumbai. The international offices around the world helped facilitate
more than $2.2 billion of direct foreign investment into the state in 2012-13, which helped
create 4,737 new full-time jobs in Victoria. They also supported 2,685 Victorian organisations
operating in international markets. The Government released four country strategies to
support Victoria’s international engagement: Engaging China – Strengthening Victoria, the
State’s China Strategy (September 2012); the Victoria – Gulf States Engagement Strategy
2013, focusing on Victoria’s engagement with key economies in the Gulf States (February
2013); Victoria and India From Engagement to Partnership 2013, the State’s India Strategy
(March 2013); and South-East Asian Market Engagement Plan 2013 (June 2013).
VICTORIA INDIA DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships support essential research by providing funding for India’s brightest
students to commence PhD studies at a Victorian institution, helping to build closer
partnerships between India and Victoria. Ten scholarship winners were announced in India
during the Super Trade Mission in March 2013.
MASTERCHEF
In August 2012, the Department successfully negotiated to bring MasterChef Australia to
Melbourne. MasterChef: The Professionals aired nationally in January 2013, and attracted on
average 1.3 million peak viewers per episode in its launch week.
The show highlighted Melbourne and regional Victoria’s culinary excellence, showcasing the
state’s fresh produce, innovative chefs, quality restaurants and outstanding winemakers. It
featured offsite challenges filmed in key Victorian locations, including Federation Square and
featuring a pop-up tram restaurant; while in Mansfield an episode involved the legendary
cattlemen of the High Country. Both episodes attracted around one million viewers.
AUSTRALIAN GOURMET TRAVELLER CAMPAIGN
The Department partnered with Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in a promotion to
increase awareness in interstate markets of the quality and range of tourism experiences in
regional Victoria.
Five leading Victorian chefs were chosen by the national magazine for their passion, skill and
contribution to raising awareness of the culinary riches of their respective regions. The areas
included: the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley, Daylesford, the Grampians and the
Victorian High Country.
A dedicated booklet was included in the July edition of Australian Gourmet Traveller and
content will also be distributed across the publisher’s website and iPad channels. The
Department also negotiated for two reader events to be held, featuring Victorian produce and
wine at two exclusive restaurants, in Sydney and Brisbane. There was also a consumer prize
promotion with the opportunity to win a trip to Victoria.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
SPOTTED BY LOCALS CAMPAIGN
Launched in May 2013, the Spotted by Locals campaign, a partnership between Tourism
Victoria and Fairfax Media, featured prominent Melburnians with personal connections to
regional Victoria. Raising awareness of a range of experiences available in regional Victoria,
the participants’ recommendations were published across Fairfax publications and websites
and through social media. Video content was available for viewing through a special section
on The Age website, iPad and mobile applications.
REGIONAL COOPERATIVE MARKETING INNOVATION FUND
Launched in June 2013, the Department, through Tourism Victoria, is working with all 10
regional tourism boards to support innovative and creative projects, encourage regional
collaboration and support projects that align with state-wide priorities and product strengths.
Projects that have been supported include the development of social media campaigns, free
Wi-Fi networks at key visitor locations, mobile phone applications and mobile-optimised
websites.
MAJOR EVENTS
In 2012-13, Victoria’s major events calendar remained one of the most prestigious and
successful in the world. The Department continued to work with Victoria Major Events
Company, Government departments, event promoters and organisers to attract, promote and
leverage the tourism benefits of major events. Events and exhibitions included:
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire and Game Masters
As part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the Napoleon: Revolution to Empire
exhibition opened at the National Gallery of Victoria in June 2012, attracting 188,729 people
over its duration. The Game Masters exhibition, at the Australian Centre for the Moving
Image, attracted 102,803 people over the duration of the exhibition. This was the fourth-mostattended exhibition in ACMI’s history, with 23 per cent of visitors coming from outside Victoria.
Men’s Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament
Held over nine days in December 2012, the 34th edition of the Hockey Champions Trophy for
men was hosted at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Melbourne. Featuring the world’s top
eight hockey teams, Australia won the tournament, extending its record winning streak at the
event to five consecutive titles.
ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne
The International Sailing Federation’s ISAF Sailing World Cup series is the grand slam of
Olympic class sailing, featuring the world’s best sailors. The Melbourne event held in
December 2012, one of six hosted in different countries, ran over six days and attracted 216
competitors from overseas and interstate.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
The second Indian Film Festival of Melbourne ran through May 2013. The festival celebrated
the centenary of Indian cinema by opening with Raja Harishchandra, India’s first feature film,
100 years to the day since its first public screening. The festival screened more than 60 films
from across India and the subcontinent, including retrospectives, industry master classes and
free public events.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
White Night Melbourne
An all-night arts and cultural celebration, the inaugural White Night event was attended by
more than 300,000 people. Cultural institutions recorded significant attendance, including the
National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and the Arts Centre
Melbourne. Videos of the event were distributed through social media and attracted 95,000
Facebook views and produced an estimated Twitter reach of 68,000.
Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship – Melbourne
This long-distance triathlon race featuring a 3.8-kilometre swim in Frankston; a 180-kilometre
bike ride on the EastLink motorway; and a 42.2-kilometre run along Port Phillip Bay was held
in March 2013. The race attracted 2,200 competitors, including the world’s elite Iron Man
distance triathletes.
BUSINESS EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
In 2012-13, Melbourne reinforced its reputation as a world-class business events destination
by attracting a range of major business events to the state. In the financial year ending June
2013, a partnership between Tourism Victoria, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition
Centre, and Melbourne Convention Bureau held 172 business events (10 of which were
supported by the Major Business Events Fund).
In 2012-13, major international conferences held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition
Centre included:
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World Model United Nations: in March 2013, Melbourne hosted more than 2,000
university students from about 80 countries for a week of debate and cultural
exchange at the Harvard WorldMUN. Modelled on the United Nations, students
debated issues of global importance at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition
Centre. The Department hosted a traditional barbecue lunch and Bollywood dancers
performed a farewell to students
Australian International Education Conference: in October 2012, Melbourne hosted
the annual Australian International Education Conference at the Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Centre. The conference addressed global developments
and trends in international education and was attended by about 1,300 national and
international delegates
Amway India Leadership Seminar: in December 2012, Melbourne welcomed 3,890
Amway delegates from India. It was the largest Indian incentive group to be hosted in
Australia and the first time Amway India’s top achievers have been able to meet at
one convention centre at the same time
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS TO BOOST
THEIR PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH INNOVATION
Victoria has a strong set of innovation capabilities, with many skilled people, an internationally
recognised research sector, cutting-edge technology platforms and infrastructure, and
businesses that are global leaders. The Department facilitates collaboration between
business and the research sector to help better connect businesses with the knowledge,
information, capacity, skills and partners they need to be innovative and generate economic
success for Victoria.
This collaboration was facilitated by a range of support programs, including the Collaborative
Networks Pilot Program. Designed to bring industry and research networks together to
translate recent research and technical innovations into commercial outcomes, the program
provides $1.2 million to establish networks in diverse areas of industry, including agriculture
and manufacturing; biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; technical textiles and composites
industries; and textile, clothing and footwear products for the mining sector.
In 2012-13, 78 companies were supported through the program’s workshops, seminars and
industry visits. These activities have led to the development of 10 new projects for industry
and research collaboration to develop new products, such as protective apparel for hot and
humid climates, anti-bacterial and anti-influenza drug screening, carbon fibre for bridge
reconstruction, and the use of carbon dioxide to extend the shelf life of dairy products.
In September 2012, the Government launched two complementary programs to support
business innovation – the Innovation Voucher Program and the Technology Voucher
Program. These programs aim to build business productivity and competitiveness through the
development of new and improved products, processes and services. The diverse range of
companies that have already benefited from take-up of vouchers include bluechiip, Biota
Pharmaceuticals, Dolphin Products, Carbon Revolution, Albion Sports and Nufarm.
The Government continues to support innovation by providing business with access to
information and improving the delivery of Government services. In 2012-13, this included the
relaunch of the website at vic.gov.au, giving citizens smarter access to Victorian Government
information and services, and making the most of current and innovative ICT. As part of the
Victorian Government’s ICT Strategy, the new mobile-friendly vic.gov.au improves the online
experience for Victorians through search-driven access to Government information, services,
contacts and events, and provides immediate access via an aggregated feed to all
Government tweets.
In August 2012, the Government released its DataVic Access Policy, promoting open access
to Government data to drive innovation, create new business opportunities and enable new
services. In the year to June 2013, the number of Government data-sets available on
data.vic.gov.au rose from 99 to almost 700 and will meet the target of more than 1,000
datasets available by September 2013.
The Government also launched Grants Victoria, a new gateway for businesses and
individuals to access state grants available to them via vic.gov.au/grants. The website
provides information on more than 130 Government grants which can be searched using key
words, categories and recently added grants.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
INNOVATION VOUCHER PROGRAM
Innovation vouchers can be used by businesses to access external research and
development facilities and expertise. During 2012-13, 100 vouchers were awarded under the
Innovation Voucher Program, including:
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62 small and medium-sized businesses were awarded Business Research and
Development vouchers with a total value of approximately $1.44 million, to access
research and development facilities and expertise. Almost half of these businesses
had never collaborated previously
38 small and medium-sized businesses and research organisations were awarded
Innovation Skills Vouchers with a total value of more than $344,000. Almost one-inthree applicants for skills vouchers were from regional Victoria
Sixty-nine suppliers were listed on the business Research and Development voucher supplier
directory, linking them with business networks, while 20 suppliers are approved to deliver
skills development activities and programs for Innovation Skills vouchers.
TECHNOLOGY VOUCHER PROGRAM
Technology vouchers can be used to explore how cutting-edge technologies, such as
biotechnology, small technologies and advanced ICT, can be used to develop new and
improved products and processes. During 2012-13, 54 vouchers were awarded under the
Technology Voucher Program, including:
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seven companies were awarded a total of more than $1.6 million Technology
Implementation vouchers worth up to $250,000 each, for projects including the
development of new diagnostic tools for the forensic industry, and a large-scale
production of an additive to improve the strength of plastics
38 companies were awarded Technology Development vouchers worth
approximately
$1.8 million in total to assist them in developing or integrating technologies into new
or improved products, processes and services. More than half of the companies were
in the manufacturing, ICT, pharmaceutical and life science sectors
nine companies were awarded Technology Student Accelerator Vouchers
During 2012-13, 213 suppliers were listed on the technology voucher supplier directory.
INVESTING IN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
The Investing in Manufacturing Technology Program assists manufacturers to purchase and
integrate new technologies that will improve productivity and competitiveness, strengthen
capability and have a transformative impact on their business. The $24.8 million initiative is
part of the Victorian Government’s manufacturing strategy, A More Competitive
Manufacturing Industry. To date, the Victorian Government has committed $6.6 million in
assistance to 40 Victorian manufacturers over two funding rounds. These projects represent
$29 million in additional investment into the state, and are expected to create 219 new jobs
and transition a further 310 to higher-value roles.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
GROWING VICTORIA’S BIOTECHNOLOGY CAPACITY
In April 2013, the Victorian Government launched the Building Global Bridges Program in
partnership with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Building Global Bridges is designed
to support Victorian life sciences companies to collaborate with similar businesses in
Massachusetts in order to accelerate late-stage life sciences research and development
projects.
As part of Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology, the Department also
supported the Victorian Platform Technologies Network in its second phase of activity.
Building on the successful networking of biotechnology research and development facilities,
the second phase of the network will expand to include other disciplines and industries. New
software and a single web-booking system will be rolled out to help industry and academic
researchers to better access the network’s facilities through the Australian Research
Infrastructure Network Project.
VICTORIAN FIBRE STRATEGY
Construction of the Victorian Government-funded fibre optic cable network from Geelong to
Warrnambool was completed in May 2013. The new fibre network will enable high-capacity
broadband services for the public sector and support competition in the backhaul
telecommunications market in Victoria’s south-west region. The fibre was rolled out as part of
the Victorian Fibre Strategy, with the aim of supporting a range of alternative broadband
networks.
BROADBAND ENABLED INNOVATION PROGRAM
The Broadband Enabled Innovation Program is a competitive grants program that provides
funding to community, business and government organisations to develop innovative
technologies that rely on high-capacity broadband. In 2012-13, round two of the program
funded 11 projects across the environment, emergency services, health, education and
training, human services and aged care sectors. The Government launched three projects in
the first half of 2013:
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the Uni TV trial, which will test the use of internet protocol television as a delivery
mechanism for educational content
the Regional Cystic Fibrosis e-Health and Telemonitoring Program, a pilot project that
will remotely monitor cystic fibrosis patients at home and deliver online health
services
the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine – Loddon Mallee Project, which will use highcapacity broadband to link Melbourne-based neurologists with regional doctors
treating emergency stroke patients
OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program provided $26.1 million to
assist 13 Victorian medical research institutes to meet their operational overhead costs. In
2012, this support assisted the institutes in attracting more than $196 million in external
competitive research funding to Victoria. The administrative burden on institutes applying for
funding from the program was reduced in 2012-13 by substantially reducing the paperwork
involved.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
ERESEARCH AGENDA
In November 2012, the Government released its new eResearch Agenda detailing support for
the use of advanced ICT in research, committing $3.9 million towards sustainable and
mainstream adoption of eResearch. In 2012-13 supported activites included:
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continuation of the Victorian eResearch Strategic Initiative, which provides Victoria’s
researchers with advanced ICT services
the set-up of the VicNode, a new data storage facility for Victorian researchers
DIGITAL FUTURES FUND
The Government’s $11 million Digital Futures Fund supports collaborative projects that
transform business practices and deliver productivity benefits to Victorian small and mediumsized businesses through developing ICT solutions. In June 2013, the first funding round saw
$900,000 awarded to ICT projects involving more than 17 partners across the warehousing,
automotive and manufacturing sectors.
HEALTH MARKET VALIDATION PROGRAM
The Health Market Validation Program is a flagship initiative under Victoria’s Technology Plan
for the Future – Biotechnology. In May 2013, the Government announced its support for 12
feasibility study projects with funding of $100,000 per project. The program offers $15 million
worth of competitive grants to encourage innovation in healthcare and builds on the structure
and success of the Market Validation Program pilot. The Victorian Government is seeking
solutions to healthcare challenges through the program, in order to:
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achieve better health outcomes
improve healthcare service delivery
deliver economic benefits for Victoria
LAUNCH OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ICT STRATEGY
In February 2013, the Government launched the Victorian Government ICT Strategy 2013 to
2014. The strategy provides high-level direction on the design and use of information and
technology in the Victorian Government to deliver better services.
The principles and objectives of the strategy are now being incorporated into ICT planning. In
2012-13, as part of the strategy, the Department updated and relaunched the Victorian
Government web portal at vic.gov.au, creating an online searchable register of Government
mobile apps, publicly releasing Government datasets, consolidation of ICT planning and
conducting a review of ICT governance.
As foreshadowed by the strategy, the Government created the new role of Chief Technology
Advocate in March 2013, and in June 2013 concluded the transfer of whole-of-government
ICT responsibilities to the Department.
OPENING OF WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INSTITUTE
In November 2012, the Premier and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Health
opened the new $185 million Walter and Eliza Hall Institute research facility in Parkville. The
redevelopment doubles the institute’s floor space and includes a number of Australian-first
research services. This includes a new personalised medicine research centre, volunteer
blood donor registry, insectary for breeding malaria-carrying mosquitoes and a clinical
translation centre.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
INNOVATION AND SCIENCE AWARENESS SUPPORT
The Victorian Government continues to recognise the valuable contribution made by Victorian
researchers through its support of:
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2013 Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research: awarded to Dr Aung Ko Win
for his research on colorectal cancer
Innovation Fellowships and Inspiring Students program: the Victorian Endowment for
Science, Knowledge and Innovation received additional funding of $1.5 million over
three years for Innovation Fellowships, which are designed to bring the world’s top
researchers to Victoria. Four Innovation Fellowships were awarded in 2012-13. The
program is also working with three outer metropolitan and regional schools to
improve student engagement with science and technology
2012 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and the Victoria Fellowships: the 2012
Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation (Life Sciences) was awarded to Professor
Terry Speed (analysis of large data-sets), and the 2012 Victoria Prize in Physical
Sciences was awarded to Professor Ana Deletic (water management). The Victorian
Government has doubled the number of fellowships to be awarded annually with 12
Victoria fellowships being awarded in 2012-13
VICTORIAN DESIGN INITIATIVES 2012-15
In September 2012, the Government launched the Victorian Design Initiatives 2012-15
Designing the Future to support best practice and excellence in design in Victoria and grow
the state’s design business capability. Initiatives commencing in
2012-13 included:
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the Export Design Program, which helps Victorian designers explore new export
opportunities and connect them with global markets
the Design Matters public design program, which celebrates and promotes good
design in Victoria. The program includes the Premier’s Design Awards, which
recognise and reward Victorian designers and businesses for outstanding
applications of design, and agIdeas 2013, held in April 2013, the flagship event of the
Melbourne International Design Week
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
PROVIDE MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTANCE TO
ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE IT EASY TO INVEST IN
VICTORIA
The Department showcased Victoria’s capabilities and status as an attractive investment
location to national and international companies looking to expand, diversify and seek specific
investment opportunities. In doing so, the Department provided facilitation services to new
international investors, continued to encourage additional investment by companies already
operating in Victoria, and worked effectively with businesses to overcome challenges to
pursuing investment and creating jobs for Victoria.
In 2012-13, the Department facilitated 166 projects totalling more than $2.2 billion, which are
expected to generate more than 4,700 jobs for Victoria.
One example is the Kraft Foods Asia Pacific Confectionery Centre of Excellence. The
company will establish a world-class, globally competitive research facility at Kraft’s
manufacturing site in Ringwood. The centre is a significant boost for Victorian food
manufacturing innovations, and will be staffed by the largest research and development team
in Australia. The Government’s investment into the facility will expand Kraft’s market from 20
million Australian consumers to a market of 1.6 billion consumers across the Asia-Pacific.
As part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to engaging with business, the Department
also helped prospective investors navigate the complex processes for new developments,
provided specialist services (including locating suitable development sites) and advice on
development approvals and infrastructure services.
In 2012-13, Major Projects Victoria managed approximately $1.9 billion worth of projects in
delivery stages and project development for projects notionally worth $5 billion to $10 billion.
Contracted projects that contributed to the Department’s performance for 2012-13 include:
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Biosciences Research Centre
Kew Residential Services
Melbourne Market Relocation
Melbourne Park Redevelopment – Eastern Plaza
Melbourne Park Redevelopment – Western Precinct
Parkville Gardens
Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
INVESTMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
In 2012-13, the Government committed $55 million to projects under the Investment Support
Program. It is anticipated that these projects will result in $166 million of direct capital
expenditure (including $76 million in the packaging sector and $63 million in the food sector)
and create 1,521 full-time jobs, including 500 jobs in manufacturing and 450 in information
and communication technologies.
In 2012-13, Investment Support Program recipients received an aggregate 94 per cent of the
originally contracted grant amounts. These projects collectively achieved 107 per cent of the
capital expenditure and 115 per cent of the employment required to receive the full grant
payment.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Follow-up survey data on investment projects attracted and facilitated by the Department, and
matured in 2012-13, indicated recipients achieved 125 per cent of forecast capital investment
and 97 per cent of forecast employment.
In 2012-13, the Government helped facilitate key projects, which are expected to deliver
significant investment and jobs for Victoria. Specific achievements include:
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Cotton On Group – stage two global headquarters expansion, creating up to
500 jobs in Geelong North
Swisse – establishment of new global headquarters in Collingwood, creating up
to 140 jobs
Nine Mile Fresh – $17 million apple-sorting, grading and packaging facility in Tynong,
creating up to 100 jobs
SAP – establishment of the global software company’s Mission Control Centre in
Melbourne
Mars Australia – $52 million product line expansion in Ballarat, securing more than
400 jobs
Kraft – Asia-Pacific Confectionery Centre of Excellence, creating up to 100 jobs in
Ringwood
Cipla – establishment of the Australian headquarters of India’s largest
pharmaceuticals company
IBM Australia – expansion at Victoria’s Ballarat Technology Park, creating 150 jobs.
The new investment will lead to the establishment of an IBM Asia-Pacific Centre of
Excellence for Software Testing in Victoria
Primary Health Care – establishment of a Specialist Diagnostic Services Innovation
Centre in Ballarat, creating up to 60 jobs
China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China –
establishment of branches in Melbourne, creating up to 80 jobs and building on the
Victorian Government’s engagement with the Chinese market
Australian Paper – $90 million de-inking plant in Maryvale
MAJOR PROJECTS
Major Projects Victoria acted as an interface between Government and industry in the
development and delivery of projects that facilitate investment, generate jobs and promote
innovation in Victoria. In 2012-13, Major Projects Victoria managed development projects
such as E-Gate, Federation Square East, the Flinders Station Design Competition and Stage
two of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment, a total notionally worth $5 billion to $10 billion.
Further, during 2012-13 Major Projects Victoria managed the delivery of the Melbourne Park
Redevelopment, Parkville Gardens, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s Future of Organisational
Learning and Development facilities project, and the Galleries of Remembrance at the
Melbourne Shrine.
A major achievement was the $135.8 million refurbishment of Hamer Hall. Part of the
Southbank cultural precinct redevelopment, the project delivered substantial improvements to
Hamer Hall and its surroundings, as well as creating better connections between the
buildings, Southbank, the city and the river.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
Other projects in development or delivery stages being managed by the Department include:
Melbourne Market Relocation Project
The Department has been working closely with the Melbourne Market Authority in order to
relocate the market from its current location in West Melbourne to Epping in 2014-15. The
relocation will create a pivotal piece of infrastructure for the development of Melbourne’s
northern sector as a food-related industrial and logistics hub.
Docklands Studios Melbourne
Docklands Studios Melbourne completed building upgrades that will enhance the studios’
reputation as Victoria’s premier live television facility, offering a flexible, multi-use complex.
The new building works, completed in December 2012, were made possible by a $10 million
investment by the Victorian Government.
Victorian Coal Development
During 2012-13, the Department was responsible for a whole-of-government approach to
drafting the Victorian Coal Development Strategy. The first stage of the strategy, which
involves a market engagement process to gauge the industry’s interest in developing brown
coal and interest in the Latrobe Valley location, is being prepared.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW AND THE AEROSPACE AND
DEFENCE EXPOSITION
The airshow was held at Avalon Airport from 26 February to 3 March 2013. The Department
was responsible for the management and delivery of the Victorian Government activities
associated with the airshow and the exposition. For Victoria, the Australian International
Airshow and the Aerospace and Defence Exposition generated an economic impact gross
benefit of $141.6 million and a direct economic impact of $97.09 million. The airshow was
attended by 135,138 people and the exposition by 32,671 people.
2012 LAND WARFARE CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXPOSITION
The 2012 Land Warfare Conference and Trade Exposition was held at the Melbourne
Exhibition and Conference Centre from 29 October to 2 November 2012. The conference was
co-sponsored by the Australian Army and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
The conference was attended by 1,500 delegates and had more than 250 exhibitors. As a
direct result of the conference, more than 140 new business leads and 49 new projects or
contracts were generated by local exhibitors at the Victorian Government Pavilion.
SCREEN PRODUCTION ACTIVITY
In 2012-13, Film Victoria supported 54 film, television and digital media projects with funding,
delivering an estimated 5,810 jobs and generating a total spend of more than $140 million in
the state. Supported projects included feature film Predestination starring Ethan Hawke, and
popular Australian television series such as Offspring, Jack Irish, Wentworth and Miss
Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN
BUSINESSES TO GROW AND BECOME MORE
PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL
MARKETPLACE
A key focus of the Department in 2012-13 was to create more opportunities for Victorian
businesses to grow and become more productive and competitive in the global marketplace.
During this period, 2,685 businesses participated in export programs facilitated by the
Department, including the outbound Trade Mission Program, a major component of the
Government’s International Engagement model. The Trade Mission Program supports
Victorian companies across a range of industries, including food and beverage, infrastructure
(including building and construction), sustainable urban development, aged and health care,
automotive, aviation and aerospace, cleantech, ICT, professional services, resources and
mining services, defence, equine, water technologies, marine and biotechnology. Ninety-five
per cent of Victorian businesses participating in Trade Missions were satisfied with the
program.
In 2012-13, the Government supported 26 Trade Missions, including four Super Trade
Missions abroad. The Trade Mission Program targeted more than 20 countries, including
countries across the Gulf States and Turkey, South-East Asia, North Asia, the Americas and
Europe.
Collectively the Trade Mission Program is expected to facilitate more than $1.5 billion in
additional exports in the period 13-24 months following the missions, as reported by
participating companies.
The Department’s Export Skills Program supported the Trade Mission Program, providing
training and information sessions on business skills and international markets to 646
companies across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Department operated a range of communications channels to engage with Victorian
businesses, including the recently upgraded website, business.vic.gov.au, a central site for
information on starting and running a business. The website provides tools to help businesses
improve their productivity and reduce the burden of red tape, while assisting with regulatory
compliance obligations. The Department also provided news, advice and interactive tools
specific to the needs of Victorian businesses through its fortnightly Small Business Victoria
Update eNewsletter and through social media. Subscriptions to the Small Business Victoria
Update increased from 57,000 in 2011-12 to 70,000 in 2012-13. There were 383,320 social
media interactions for 2012-13, with membership of the Business Victoria Facebook group, ‘I
am a business owner in Victoria’, increasing to more than 2,300 members.
An estimated 163,000 small and medium-sized businesses accessed business.vic.gov.au
services more than 11 times during 2012-13. These businesses using the website are 40 per
cent more satisfied with the overall services the Government offers than those not using the
website.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
SUPER TRADE MISSION TO CHINA
The Department’s Super Trade Mission to China in September 2012 was the largest to leave
Australia. The Super Trade Mission was led by the then Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Ted
Baillieu, and supported by the Hon. Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small
Business and Minister for Tourism and Major Events; the Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips, Minister
for Technology and Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry; and the Hon. Richard DallaRiva, the then Minister for Employment and Trade.
This mission attracted more than 650 delegates representing 406 organisations seeking to
gain a first-hand understanding of China’s market dynamics and showcase their organisations
with potential qualified customers, business partners and investors. Participants represented
industries of strategic importance to both Victoria and China, including: automotive, aviation
and aerospace, cleantech, education, food and beverage, ICT, life sciences, mining
equipment and technology services, professional services (including financial, carbon
markets and healthcare), sustainable urban design and tourism.
This mission significantly strengthened Victoria’s investment relationship with China and
generated positive outcomes for both economies, as well as additional exports and jobs for
Victoria. Companies that participated in this mission reported more than $964 million in
anticipated additional exports for the 13-24 month period following the mission. A number of
significant investments were announced as part of the visit, including the China Construction
Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China establishing a presence in Victoria;
and VanceInfo announcing expansion of its Australian and New Zealand headquarters by 60
employees, bringing total employment numbers to 200 by 2014.
Significant investment announced as part of the mission included:
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Victorian ICT company CPT Global striking a deal with leading technology service
provider China eTek
NICTA’s intended collaboration with Shanghai University on precision farming
practices using the FarmNet software platform
SmartTrans and Double Eagle China agreement to deliver e-shopping payments card
technology for China Merchants Bank
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria signing a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Xiangtan Environmental Protection Department
EPA Victoria signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jiangsu Government
when the latter visited Melbourne in December 2012
SUPER TRADE MISSION TO GULF STATES AND TURKEY
The Gulf States and Turkey represent a major and fast-growing trading region for Victoria. It
is now the second-largest value-added export region after South-East Asia. The Super Trade
Mission in February 2013 was led by the Hon. Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, Services
and Small Business and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and supported by the Hon.
Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and Minister for Water, and the Hon.
Dr Denis Napthine, the then Minister for Racing, Minister for Ports, Minister for Major Projects
and Minister for Regional Cities.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
The Trade Mission attracted 178 organisations, including leading business representatives
from food and beverage, defence, marine, education, tourism, professional services,
agribusiness, infrastructure and water management industries. The mission also visited
Turkey to develop new and wider trade, investment and joint venture opportunities. This
mission strengthened Victoria’s investment relationships with the region and generated
substantial outcomes for both economies, as well as additional exports and jobs for Victoria.
Participating companies reported more than $127 million in anticipated additional exports for
the 13-24 month period following the mission.
Companies participated in a range of events and activities, including Gulfood, the world’s
largest annual food and beverage trade fair; the International Defence Exhibition and
Conference (IDEX) Abu Dhabi; Dubai International Boat Show; the A2 Education Fair; and
significant buyer meetings and forums with relevant local government and business
representatives. More than 70 Victorian companies participated at Gulfood in Dubai, with 40
Victorian food and beverage companies showcasing their products on the Victorian stand.
SUPER TRADE MISSION TO INDIA
In March 2013, the Super Trade Mission Program visited India, a country with a rapidly
growing economy and an important player in the shift of global economic and political
influence to Asia. The Trade Mission was led by the Hon. Louise Asher, Minister for
Innovation, Services and Small Business and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and
supported by the Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips, Minister for Technology and Minister responsible
for the Aviation Industry and the Hon. Richard Della-Riva, the then Minister for Manufacturing,
Exports and Trade. The mission visited Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad,
Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The mission attracted 146 organisations and
included 180 delegates representing nine industry sectors, including automotive, aviation and
aerospace, biotech, cleantech, education, food and beverage, ICT, infrastructure and tourism.
Participating companies reported projected export sales of more than $110 million in the
period 13-24 months following the mission.
Key outcomes from the 2013 Super Trade Mission to India include:
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launch of the Victorian Government’s India Strategy ‘From Engagement to
Partnership’ in Mumbai
launch of the 2013 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne program in Mumbai with Indian
Film Festival of Melbourne ambassador and one of India’s leading actors, Vidya
Balan
awarding the 2013 Victoria India Doctoral Scholarships to Indian students
co-hosting a Sustainable Urban Development roundtable with the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry to showcase Victoria’s capabilities in
this area
launch of a Melbourne photography exhibition by leading Indian photographer Atul
Kasbekar. The exhibition is part of a tourism campaign to promote Melbourne and
Victoria as a tourism destination to the Indian tourism industry
a Victoria India Higher Education Dialogue in New Delhi, a development on a
previous education roundtable held during the Super Trade Mission to India in
February 2012. The dialogue expanded and strengthened engagement between
Victorian and Indian universities
announcement of 120 new high-tech jobs to be created in Victoria with the expansion
of global software services company, SAP
opening of the new office of we-do-IT in Hyderabad. we-do-IT expects to create
15 new jobs in Victoria as a result of increasing its global capacity
announcement that Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla has opened its
Australian Headquarters in Melbourne. This marks one of the first investments by the
company in a regional office outside India
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
SUPER TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH-EAST ASIA
In June 2013, the Government conducted a Super Trade Mission to countries within the
Association of South-East Asian Nations, Victoria’s largest export market for both goods and
services. The mission was led by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Dr Denis Napthine and
supported by the Hon. Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation Services and Small Business,
Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Employment and Trade; the Hon.
Gordon Rich-Phillips, Minister for Technology and Minister responsible for the Aviation
Industry; the Hon. Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and Minister for
Water; and the Hon. Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment and Climate Change. The mission
visited Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. More than 300
organisations participated in the mission from a diverse set of Victorian industries, including
ICT, health and aged care, infrastructure, automotive, aviation, tourism, education, wealth
and funds management, food and beverage (including wine), and cleantech.
This mission was completed in late June 2013 and company export projections are still to be
finalised. However, initial projections of export sales by participating companies are expected
to total more than $106 million in the period 13-24 months following the Trade Mission.
As part of the mission, the Premier announced that Victoria would reopen the Indonesia
Victorian Government Business Office in Jakarta, signalling a strengthened commitment to
the region. The mission is expected to generate substantial outcomes for Victoria, as well as
additional investment, exports and jobs for the state, including:
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Baby Royale, as a result of engagement with the Department and participation in this
and past Trade Missions, secured a contract to supply its products to about 350
supermarkets in Malaysia. First-year sales of $2 million and $20 million over five
years are estimated
Tune Hotel will open its first hotel in Australia in Melbourne’s CBD in November 2013.
The Tune Group will also establish its Australian and New Zealand operational
headquarters in Melbourne. This investment is expected to create up to 100 jobs
Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the country’s largest telecommunications company, chose
Melbourne as the site of its first Australian office, announced during the Trade
Mission. The new Telkom Australia office will create jobs and partnerships with local
businesses in Victoria
Aircraft Maintenance Services Australia announced an expansion of maintenance
operations at Melbourne Airport, creating 100 jobs
Victorian print management software company, Papercut International, signing a
letter of appointment with Bizmann (Singapore) to be the Authorised Solution Centre
for South-East Asia
Streamline Solutions, securing its first customer, Singapore Mercantile Co-Operative,
to use its core processing system in Singapore
Geelong’s Sky Software announcing its collaboration with Singapore-based, Inchone,
which will offer Blue Sky to the Singaporean market
Rectifier Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd, together with business partner ADC
Power Concept, secured a significant order of unique modular hot swappable power
supplies to Petronas Malaysia, for its oil field refining and gas processing plants
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
TECHNOLOGY TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERING PROGRAM
The Technology Trade and International Partnering (TRIP) Program provides grants for
export-ready Victorian ICT companies to attend recognised overseas trade shows and
events. In 2012-13, 289 grants were provided, generating more than $126 million in
anticipated exports over the next 12 months and more than $304 million in anticipated exports
over the next 24 months. A separate TRIP program was also available for life sciences
companies, which in 2012-13 provided 91 grants and is expected to generate $72.9 million in
anticipated exports over the next 12 months and $191.4 million in anticipated exports over the
next 24 months.
INBOUND MISSIONS
In addition to the Trade Mission Program abroad, the Department facilitated major inbound
missions during 2012-13, to coincide with the following events:
International Food and Beverage Trade Week
During International Food and Beverage Trade Week, the Department hosted a three-day
program for targeted, senior international buyers from South-East Asia, China, Japan and
South Korea. The events were held to coincide with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Automotive Week
As part of Automotive Week 2013, the Department led an inbound mission of delegates from
South Korea, Germany, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Thailand. The Department partnered
with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to deliver an Industry and Innovation Precinct at
the Australian Grand Prix to promote the local manufacturing industry to prospective business
partners and school children.
Australian International Airshow – Aerospace and Defence Exposition
The exposition and airshow was held at Avalon Airport from 26 February to 1 March 2013 and
is expected to have generated approximately $20-25 million of direct investment within
Victoria. The exposition was attended by 32,671 people.
MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY NETWORKS PROGRAM
Launched in September 2012, the Manufacturing Productivity Networks Program is a major
initiative of the Victorian Government’s manufacturing strategy, A More Competitive
Manufacturing Industry. The $7.5 million program provides funding to business networks to
undertake projects on behalf of their manufacturing member firms.
Twelve networks were contracted to undertake projects and activities that will benefit 508
businesses. Projects and activities include:
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research in additive manufacturing, prototyping, testing and commercialisation of new
products
collaborative approaches for major projects
opportunities for businesses in clean technology
productivity audits and supply chain mapping
digital manufacturing, innovation and leadership seminars
coaching and peer-to-peer forums
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
REFORMS TO THE VICTORIAN INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION POLICY
On 1 January 2013, the Government introduced reforms to the Victorian Industry Participation
Policy. The policy targets Government procurement where there are contestable goods and
services, which are those goods and services with competitive international suppliers and
competitive local suppliers. If there are no significant contestable items, bidders no longer
need to prepare a Victorian Industry Participation Policy Plan. Instead, only an estimate of
total local content is required. A consultation process for grants and design contracts has also
been introduced. This process replaces Victorian Industry Participation Policy Plans for grants
and ensures design specifications for projects above $3 million in Melbourne or $1 million in
regional Victoria do not inadvertently exclude local industry from bidding into a supply chain
for Government work.
The Industry Capability Network (Victoria) Ltd assists the Department in the implementation
of the reforms, and has developed a new online smart form to make the process easier for
businesses and the Government. The Department and ICN Victoria have jointly held
information sessions for businesses and for Victorian public sector bodies to raise awareness
and understanding of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy and the 2013 reforms. The
reforms are contributing towards the Government’s red tape reduction target. It is expected
that the number of plans required will drop by at least 20 per cent, and indicative results
suggest that this reduction is being exceeded.
STREETLIFE
More than 70 applications from local councils and business or trader associations were
received for the first round of Streetlife. Twenty-four councils received $457,730 and eight
business/trader associations received $39,340 to assist business improvement projects in
local shopping areas across Victoria. More than 60 per cent of round one projects will be
delivered in regional Victoria.
SMALL BUSINESS FESTIVAL
The Small Business Festival creates greater awareness and uptake of both Government and
private sector small business support services. In 2012, the festival was refocused to place
greater emphasis on events being held in regional Victoria and, in particular, at times more
convenient for small business owners. More than 32,000 participants received assistance
through workshops, conferences, expos, seminars and events, and 67 per cent of attendees
agreed the festival increased their awareness of available Victorian Government support
services.
HAMER SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM
The Hamer Scholarships program provides scholarships for Victorian students to undertake
intensive Chinese-language study in Victoria’s sister-state, Jiangsu, China. In 2012-13, two
selection rounds were held, bringing the total number of Victorians awarded a Hamer
Scholarship to 57. The Premier, the Hon. Dr Denis Napthine, announced the expansion of the
Hamer Scholarships program to Indonesia while in Jakarta in June 2013.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS PROGRAM AND
GROW YOUR BUSINESS GRANTS
During 2012-13, the Department continued its Small Business Workshops and Seminars
Program, including the new Commercialising Your New Idea workshops, to assist businesses
at the early stages of innovation, and the Winning Government Business workshops, which
help small and medium-sized businesses to access opportunities in Government
procurement. Throughout the year, 4,235 small business operators participated in 360
workshops and seminars. The Department also awarded 87 Grow Your Business grants,
valued at $1,036,577. The grants help small businesses develop and implement strategies to
become internationally competitive.
MOBILE BUSINESS CENTRE
The Department’s Mobile Business Centre visited 103 locations throughout Victoria (52
regional and 51 metropolitan) and delivered more than 703 mentoring sessions (285 regional
and 418 metropolitan). In late 2012, it visited Kyabram, Echuca, Shepparton and
Warrnambool to deliver free mentoring assistance to businesses affected by the Banksia
Financial Group collapse. Mentoring sessions are provided by highly experienced business
advisers from the Small Business Mentoring Service. The sessions provide small business
operators with specialist industry knowledge, and help them gain insights and ideas in a
variety of areas, including marketing, finance, human resources and sales.
RETAIL LEASES AMENDMENT ACT 2012
In 2012, the Retail Leases Act 2003 was amended to reduce red tape for small business
owners. The Retail Leases Amendment Act 2012 removed the requirement to notify the
Victorian Small Business Commissioner of certain information each time a lease is entered
into or renewed. In April 2013, the Retail Leases Regulations were remade following an
extensive consultation process and preparation of a Regulatory Impact Statement. The new
regulations introduce streamlined disclosure statements and provide greater protection for
tenants from interruptions to their business caused by planned works that may be known by
the landlord when a lease agreement is signed but not revealed to the tenant.
VICTORIAN SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER – REVIEW OF ROLE
AND POWERS
In 2013, 10 years since the introduction of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, the
Government released a consultation paper inviting public comment on ways to enhance the
Commissioner’s functions and powers. After taking into account all submissions, the
Government will consider amending the Small Business Commissioner Act 2003 to ensure
the role and functions of the Commissioner keep pace with current developments in business
and law.
BUSHFIRE AND FLOOD ASSISTANCE
In 2012-13, mentors from the Small Business Mentoring Service assisted small businesses
affected by the bushfires in the Alpine Shire region. Mentors also assisted businesses
affected by Victoria’s March to June 2012 floods. The Department approved 659 disaster
assistance grants valued at $12.5 million, and 46 low-interest loans valued at $2.2 million.
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Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Annual Report 2012-13
BUSINESS VICTORIA CONTACT CENTRE
The Business Victoria Contact Centre helped Victorian businesses by providing information
on: starting a business; assisting with bookings for workshops and events; obtaining the
services of a business mentor; and providing referrals to other Victoria Government agencies
and industry associations. In 2012-13, the Contact Centre responded to more than 27,800
calls and emails from Victorian small businesses. The Contact Centre handled 5,500 calls for
the Office of the Small Business Commissioner in relation to business-to-business disputes
and retail leasing.
BUSINESS REGULATION REFORM
In November 2012, the Victorian Business Licencing Information Service and Find a Form
service transitioned to the national service delivered by the Council of Australian
Government’s Business Online Services Program. This national service, known as the
Australian Business Licence Information Service, allows businesses to find all
Commonwealth, state and local government licences, permits, registrations, standards and
guidelines needed to meet compliance responsibilities.
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