SA exports crack $18 billion

South Australian merchandise exports hit a record high of $18.02 billion in the year to January 2024 according to the state government, which said the state outpaced the nation “as the only jurisdiction to experience export growth” in the period.

China remains the state’s largest trading partner with merchandise exports up 51.6 per cent to $3.6 billion – “the highest figure on record”.

It is followed by the US, with exports rising by 22 per cent to $1.8 billion. Exports to India also rose by 12 per cent to $1.1 billion.

“South Australia’s exports are in high demand which is evidenced by our record merchandise exports of $18.02 billion and the fact that South Australia is the only state in the country to experience export growth,” Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion said.

“Our continued commitment to creating a state that has economic complexity is paying dividends and the demand for our premium products across all sectors is supporting that growth.”

– David Simmons

Creative Australia recognises OzAsia Festival in its inaugural Asia Pacific Arts Awards.

Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival – a contemporary arts festival focused on Asia – has been shortlisted for the inaugural Asia Pacific Arts Awards by Creative Australia.

The awards celebrate cultural exchanges and collaborative partnerships in the Asia Pacific region.

OzAsia Festival has been nominated in the Connect category for delivering an intersectional program to diverse Australian audiences. Former Artistic Director Annette Shun Wah (2020-2023) has also been nominated in the Impact category for her significant influence on Asian or Pacific communities and audiences.

The winners of each category, to be announced in April, will receive a $25,000 prize presented by Minister for the Arts Tony Burke MP at Sydney’s Riverside Theatre.

Joon-Yee Kwok is Artistic Director for the 2024 OzAsia Festival, while Annette Shun Wah is a Programming Consultant.

“Having produced two OzAsia Festivals under Annette Shun Wah’s artistic directorship, I am deeply honoured to be stepping into her enormous shoes and continuing the work we’ve done together in cultural engagement between Asia and Australia and making space for Asian Australian artists and communities,” said Joon-Yee Kwok.

– Kimberly Murray

Mining exports rise to more than $5 billion

New Australian Bureau of Statistics figures found South Australian mineral and petroleum exports rose by 14.3 per cent to more than $5 billion in 2023.

The state government said there was an additional $2 billion in confidential energy and mineral goods exported – mainly copper ores and uranium.

Of the $7 billion, $3 billion came from iron and steel, refined copper and lead. Iron ore exports hit almost $1.2 billion for the 2023 calendar year.

Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis said there was a “bigger opportunity” for iron ore miners, highlighting that SA was home to 16.8 billion tonnes of magnetite iron in the Northern Gawler, Southern Gawler and Braemar provinces that “could be beneficiated here – using hydrogen”.

“We are seeing the resources sector thrive as we focus on the global energy transition,” Koutsantonis said.

“With the purchase of Carrapateena and Prominent Hill copper mines through their acquisition of Oz Minerals last year, we are seeing BHP send more copper ore to Olympic Dam’s smelter.

“Shifting towards exporting more value-added products, like refined copper, is the right direction for South Australia’s economy.”

– David Simmons

Detpak takes out design award for potato packaging

SA packaging company Detpak received the APPMA Packaging Design Innovation Award last week for its Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag for fresh potatoes.

Detpak, a subsidiary of Detmold Group, was recognised for its Australian-first paper bag for fresh potatoes, made in collaboration with leading potato and onion producer Mitolo Family Farms and supermarket Coles.

The bag was launched last year following three years of development, and reduces plastic usage by 64 per cent, equating to 8.2 tonnes less plastic each year according to Detpak.

Detpak general manager of sales Roman Bolzon said the award was a great achievement for the company which is aiming to replace all plastic packaging for fresh produce.

“Detpak is proud to be part of a collaborative ground-breaking packaging design solution that is leading a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the grocery sector as consumers become more environmentally conscious,” Bolzon said.

“We are always looking at innovative ways to drive sustainable change across the packaging industry and are continuing to evolve packaging to be better for our environment.”

– David Simmons

South Australian drink company Bickford’s is celebrating its 150th anniversary

South Australian drink company Bickford’s Celebrates 150 Years

South Australian drinks company Bickford’s has launched six limited edition anniversary flavours to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The six new flavours are Lime Spider, Strawberry Lime Crush, Raspberry Ripple, Mango Coconut Splash, Pink Lemonade, and Creamy Soda.

Fan-favourite flavour Lime Cordial will feature an anniversary ‘Collector’s Edition’ label. First crafted in 1874, Bickford’s Lime Cordial was acknowledged in 2016 by the National Trust of South Australia as a Heritage Icon.

Bickford’s Group Head of Sales and Marketing Chris Illman said, “[i]t’s hard to imagine hot days without cold cordial in the backyard.”

“Over the past 150 years, Bickford’s has been present in creating memories and traditions that have been passed through generations; and that’s a milestone and legacy we’re all tremendously proud of,” Illman said.

Bickford’s was founded on Hindley Street in 1874 and remains South Australian–owned. The drinks are now produced in a Salisbury South facility.

– Louise Jackson

Adelaide criminal defence lawyer opens new firm

Criminal defence lawyer Craig Caldicott has opened a new criminal law firm in the Adelaide CBD.

Craig Caldicott Lawyers, located on Wright Street, has a specialty focus on criminal defence and claims under the Criminal Confiscation Act.

This complex area of law relates to goods that have been purchased with criminal proceeds.

The firm offers services relating to arrest and bail, assault and violence, blackmail, domestic violence, driving offences, drug offences, firearm offences, fraud, terrorism, sexual offences and criminal asset confiscation.

Caldicott has been working in the law field for 45 years, having received an Order of Australia Medal last year in recognition of his extensive criminal case work.

Caldicott’s team includes solicitors Emily Cousins and Taylor Falting, who have both worked with Caldicott since beginning their legal careers.

The team have been involved in over 20,000 cases, with a combined nearly 60 years of experience.

– Isabella Kelly 

A new study shows the cost of Financial Crime Compliance

A study from LexisNexis Risk Solutions has indicated that the annual cost of Financial Crime Compliance totals $45 billion in the Asia Pacific region.

In 2023, financial crime compliance costs increased for 98 per cent of financial institutions. Escalation of regulations and regulatory expectations are cited as a cause of the increase. The study showed that 81 per cent of institutions will prioritise compliance program cost-cutting in the next 12 months.

Labour costs were identified by 75 per cent of institutions as a driver of cost escalation. Increased technology costs, and the emergence of cryptocurrencies, digital payments, and AI technologies for financial crime have also contributed.

“Skilled in-house compliance teams are essential, but businesses should be actively seeking ways to reduce labour costs while improving compliance efficiency,” said Matt Michaud, Global Head of Financial Crime Compliance at LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

– Louise Jackson