Applications are open
As Queensland’s highest export honour, the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards celebrate the innovation, creativity, passion and determination of businesses that export across 14 award categories.
The Export Awards offer more than just recognition; they can elevate your business’s reputation nationally and internationally.
This can open doors to new markets, forge connections with fellow exporters, and provide a platform to engage with industry stakeholders and government representatives.
There are categories to suit exporters of all sizes, industry sectors and businesses from every region across the state are encouraged to apply.
Need support?
Download the Program Guidelines and book a free one-on-one session with our Export Awards expert.
Your award application essentials
Businesses must apply in the state or territory of the Export Awards program where the business’s head office is located or where the majority of operations are established.
To be eligible to apply, a business must:
- be registered in Australian with an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- operate as a separate business if part of a larger organisation
- operate legally in Australia and comply with all regulatory requirements.
- maintain appropriate business ethics and demonstrate a commitment to legal obligations
- including include anti-bribery laws and laws to combat modern slavery, both in Australia and overseas markets.
- are a government entity as defined in the “A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999”, except where they are registered education and training providers.
- sponsor a state or territory Export Awards program or the Australian Export Awards Program
- have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Businesses must demonstrate in their application that at least 50% of the overall value of their exported product or service is attributable to Australian inputs, capability, or benefit, using any three of the following five measures:
- Australian value-add: design, development, engineering, processing, manufacturing, branding, or service delivery occurring in Australia.
- Australian workforce: a significant proportion of staff or contractors are based in Australia.
- Australian IP ownership or creation: core intellectual property is developed, controlled, or legally owned in Australia.
- Australian management and decision-making: strategic leadership and operational oversight are located in Australia.
- Australian economic return: a substantial portion of profits or benefits flow back into Australia through employment, taxation, procurement, reinvestment, or cultural/economic contribution.
Before you begin your application please download and read the Program Guidelines and review the award categories, eligibility criteria and the application questions.
Applications are now open and close 11.59pm Friday 12 June.
Applications are only accepted online via the Export Awards application portal.
If eligible, a business can only apply for a maximum of two national categories as well as the Queensland Women in International Business category.
Whether you have questions, need clarification, or would like to discuss your application before submission, our team is available to assist.
Book a free one-on-one session with our Export Awards expert or email exportawards@tiq.qld.gov.au.
National categories
There are 13 national categories. Queensland winners of the following categories progress as finalists to the Australian Export Awards.
Agribusiness, Food and Beverages
Outstanding international success in manufactured foods, beverages or agricultural products.
This includes primary production, forestry, fisheries and related services or technology.
Creative, Lifestyle and Design
Outstanding international success in creative industries and consumer-facing, design-led products and services.
This brings together creative outputs and lifestyle/consumer brands where design and brand experience are central.
Emerging Exporter
For outstanding export achievement by a business which has been exporting for two years or less.
This includes established and new businesses in any industry.
Digital and Smart Technologies
Outstanding international success in information technology, digital technologies, software, hardware or digital services.
This includes solutions using cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, robotics, quantum, fintech, cybersecurity and related tools.
First Nations Exporter
Outstanding international success by a First Nations business. This includes First Nations businesses operating in any industry.
International Education and Training
Outstanding international success in education and training.
This includes higher education, VET, transnational education, online learning, curriculum development and EdTech.
International Health
Outstanding international success in the fields of health, medical or wellbeing.
This includes biotechnology, biosecurity, medical technology, digital health, e-health, aged care, disability, complementary health, pharmaceuticals and related services.
Manufacturing and Advanced Materials
Outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering or advanced materials development.
This includes manufacturing of medical devices, advanced manufacturing technologies, design and production.
Professional Services
Outstanding international success in the field of professional services.
This includes legal, accounting, administration and support services, business management and consultancy, marketing services, franchising and licensing, engineering, financial and insurance, market research, translation services and tourism and business events.
Regional Exporter
Outstanding international success by a regional business.
This includes businesses in any sector that is based in a regional or remote location.
Resources and Energy
Outstanding international success in the resources and energy sectors.
This includes production, processing or value-adding of extractive resources, or provision of related equipment, services or technology.
Small Business
For outstanding international success by a small business. This includes businesses with total annual turnover not exceeding A$10 million.
Sustainability and Green Economy
Outstanding international success in the Green Economy.
This includes environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building, smart cities or businesses with strong sustainability practices.
Queensland category
There is one Queensland only category. The winner of this category does not progress as a finalist to the Australian Export Awards.
Women in International Business
Recognising the outstanding achievement in international business by a woman, or group of women, either through developing or leading an international enterprise, or through their contribution as a senior leader in an enterprise.
The award particularly focuses on achievement in international markets, as well as an ongoing commitment to international trade relations.
Exporter of the Year
The Premier of Queensland’s Exporter of the Year is selected from the winners of the national awards categories.