2009 update on Investment Survey

August 2006

Market Access Issues

Some 16% of respondents indicated that they found some form of difficulty in entering and/or operating in the Australian market. These were over a wide range of areas with no particular issues dominating the problems faced, and included:

• Visa problems for short-term EU staff (less than one year);
• Quarantine problems either due to overly restrictive requirements or changing requirements;
• Problems with customs regulations;
• Lack of transparency on requirements for imports, with problems in accessing appropriate legislation and regulation;
• Problems in meeting different technical requirements for the Australian market;
• Need for better market information on opportunities in Australia ;
• Union power, notably in the construction industry;
• Regulated monopolies in some sectors, notably mail delivery and pay-TV;
• Inadequate protection provided by Australia 's intellectual property regime;
• Foreign investment restrictions in the property sector and investment conditions in the mining sector being subject to a number of conditions;
• Tax issues, including a lack of harmonisation of Australian and New Zealand dividend imputation systems;
• Substantial increases in royalty rates on minerals with minimal notice or explanation;
• High cost of international banking, specifically bank fees;
• Problems with requirements for the recognition of professional qualifications; and
• Distance from the EU market and cost of transport.

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For further information please contact:
John Tuckwell, Senior Adviser, Economic and Trade; Tel 02 6271 2734 ; Email: john.tuckwell@eeas.europa.eu

Media enquiries: Roger Camilleri, Senior Adviser, Media & Public Affairs ; Tel 02 6271 2744; Email: roger.camilleri@eeas.europa.eu

This page updated October 22, 2009