The Queensland government has unveiled a new award to recognise the state’s capabilities in defence industry businesses, an inclusion the government said reflects the changing nature of Queensland’s exports.
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Nominations have officially opened for the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards 2017, and a new Queensland Defence Industry Award has been added to this year's categories.
The Queensland Defence Industry Award will recognise outstanding export achievement in designing, manufacturing and adapting world-class products or services to meet military requirements globally.
This category is open for all Queensland companies exporting in all industry sectors that can demonstrate that they are supplying into defence markets overseas.
The announcement of the new category follows Western Australia, which also introduced an award this week.
The Premier of Queensland's Exporter of the Year will be chosen from the winners of the industry award categories.
Applications close 7 August 2017, with the awards ceremony to be held in Brisbane on 19 October.
For more information about, and to apply for, the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards 2017, go to www.tiq.qld.gov.au/awards/.
Queensland is currently one of two states shortlisted by Rheinmetall as the preferred location for the LAND 400 military vehicle build.
The state's Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said Queensland's shortlisting is a reflection of the state's strong defence capabilities.
"This is an endorsement of our state’s capabilities in land defence and heavy vehicle manufacturing and sustainment,” Minister Lynham said.
"It offers up to 250 long-term jobs and real opportunity into the future beyond the initial major contract, should Rheinmetall be selected by the Commonwealth."
Minister Lynham also said the Queensland government had been working behind-the-scenes to attract future phases of the $20 billion LAND 400 project.