Australians hit out at funding grants refusal

SYDNEY Australia's business events industry has accused the government of "stonewalling" their efforts to claim Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG) funding, severely effecting Australia's ability to attract major international events. The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) has had its EMDG claim rejected with no clear explanation or dialogue from the government. The AACB has received this grant under the same criteria since 1990/91. AACB executive director Mr Michael Cannon said the convention bureaux of Australia "carry the significant responsibility of bidding for global conventions and events and a number of major projects planned to increase high yielding business events in Australia would be jeopardised due to the uncertainty created by (the government)". "These projects are now more important than ever to keep Australia at the forefront of international business tourism in the current uncertain environment," he said. "Australia's business events industry generates US$3.5 billion annually in direct expenditure. Without EMDG funding, the flow-on effects will be felt throughout (many) industries." The AACB remained hopeful the government would have had a change in attitude after Australia's federal election on November 10.