The Australian government has earmarked A$53.2m (£27.3m) in its Budget 2015 to attract new investment and create jobs. 

A statement this week from minister for trade and investment Andrew Robb said the money would be used to “attract vital job-creating investment from priority markets, including Asia, North America and Western Europe”.

The money is designated to promote investment opportunities in five key sectors: agribusiness and food; resources and energy; major infrastructure; tourism infrastructure and advanced services; manufacturing and technology.

It will also be used expand promotional activities and events in key markets such as China and India.

“Attracting new investment is critical to developing new projects and infrastructure and helping our businesses grow and deliver more jobs,” Robb said. 

The 2015 Budget delivers:

• A$30m to increase promotion of foreign direct investment in priority areas, including increased staff and resources for Austrade’s (the Australian Trade Commission) global investment teams.

• A$18m to expand Austrade’s Australia Week events in China, India, US (to replace the existing trade, investment and tourism aspects of ‘G’day USA’) and ASEAN, promoting Australian capability and investment opportunities.

• A$5.2m to expand Austrade’s Match Australia Programme, showcasing Australia to international business people attending major sporting events such as the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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