Frequently Asked Questions
Investing in SA
How can the DTED help my company?
DTED’s role is to work closely with national and international companies and individuals looking to locate their business, or to expand their operations, in South Australia. We provide information and services to help investors choose South Australia as the preferred location for strong business growth.
What assistance is available for facilitating major investment in South Australia?
DTED provides a single point of contact for projects of major significance to the State. We can provide assistance by:
- Providing comparative information on business costs, skills availability and other business investment opportunities in South Australia;
- Facilitating introductions with potential suppliers, clients and business associates; and
- Liaising with other Government agencies that may help you in establishing your project.
What financial assistance is available from DTED for businesses?
DTED does not generally offer financial assistance to businesses. There are targeted programs which are available from time to time, such as the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund (RDIF) and the Innovation and Investment Fund for South Australia (IIFSA), and DTED may also be able to assist with identifying other sources of financial assistance for businesses.
Where can I find information about industrial land availability?
DTED will work with companies on their industrial land requirements and where appropriate, for projects of major economic significance, undertake some research on their behalf. Contact: DTED +61 8 8303 2400.
Where can I find information about commercial accommodation?
DTED can offer assistance in identifying sources of information for commercial accommodation, and in some cases, may also be able to research and locate suitable commercial accommodation on your behalf.
How do I make contact with the Premier/Deputy Premier?
Make a request to the Minister's office stating purpose of meeting. Where projects are of significant economic development importance, DTED can facilitate discussions with appropriate Ministers, including the Premier and Deputy Premier.
Where can I find economic data for South Australia that is up to date?
DTED publishes a monthly Economic Performance Update
Can you provide statistics for South Australia's service sector?
Further information ABS website:
Trade in Services
General Services Information
Where can I find information about SA’s key industries?
Industry Profiles
What are SA’s competitive advantages?
Why choose SA?
Publications
What is the South Australian government doing to ensure that business skills needs are met?
The SA Government has a number of programs and initiatives to help increase the number of people able to work and to increase the skills of those that are already working.
Workforce Information Service web site provides high quality information and advice about:
- the labour market
- economic and demographic trends
- regional and industry workforce analysis
- labour supply and demand issues
- occupational information and analysis
- workforce development practice.
How competitive is South Australia’s tax system compared with other states?
Payroll Tax - The 2007/08 SA Budget announced payroll tax cuts. The payroll tax rate will be cut from 5.50% to 5.25% from July 2007, and then reduced further to 5.00% from July 2008. There were no payroll tax changes to rates or thresholds in the Victorian, Queensland, NSW, Tasmanian or Western Australian 2007/08 budgets. From July 2008, SA will have the equal second lowest payroll tax rate of all states.
Workers Compensation - An objective of the recently announced review into SA’s workers’ compensation scheme is to reduce the average workers compensation premium rate from 3.00% currently to between 2.25% and 2.75% from 1 July 2009.
Mortgage Duty - SA has already abolished mortgage duty for first homebuyers, for residential loans for owner occupation and on loan refinancing. Remaining mortgage duty in SA will be abolished over the next 3 years commencing with a one-third rate cut from 1 July 2007.
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Advanced Manufacturing
Our company provides high-technology manufacturing services to clients in a number of industry sectors but we need to develop and market our own products. Who can assist us with identifying product and service opportunities?
The Centre for Innovation has a number of mentoring and seminar programs that can assist companies to identify and evaluate product and service opportunities. Additional assistance can be provided to take the most promising opportunities through to market launch.
Increasingly we are facing shorter lead times and pressure to reduce costs. What can we do to address these issues?
The Centre for Innovation can assist to identify opportunities for lead time reduction and to implement reliable design processes that reduce the risk of having to make late, expensive design changes. The Centre for Innovation can also link you with a range of service providers that have access to the latest in computer aided design and simulation tools.
Our company needs assistance to assess the efficiency of our logistics and supply chain. Can anyone help?
The Centre for Innovation provides advice on supply chain and logistics issues, including rail, land, sea and air. Referrals may also be provided for specialist advice in areas such as cold chain logistics.
We may need to downsize our workforce and reduce staffing levels. Is there any support that could help affected workers?
The State and Commonwealth Governments have jointly implemented a range of labour adjustment programs in industries such as automotive and whitegoods. The ‘Skills in Demand’ program has been developed to assist workers gain new skills in areas of industry need including minerals and resources, building and construction, defence, electronics and engineering.
Other services may be available through the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Training including careers advice, skills profiling, case management, job placement, wage subsidies, relocation assistance and business training and mentoring. For further information contact the Office of Manufacturing on (08) 8303 2400.
Our company’s environmental performance is becoming increasingly important to our customers and other stakeholders. Is there any assistance to help us with this?
A range of tools and techniques for companies to reduce their environmental footprint are available from the Department of Trade and Economic Development. For further information contact Saindhav Tamhane or Keith Jones on (08) 8303 2400.
Our business processes need to be reviewed in order to ensure they maximise our competitiveness. What approach can you suggest?
There are a number of lean principles that could be applied in different situations to improve efficiency, not just in manufacturing but also in service industries. The Lean Education Application Network can provide education and advice, tools and techniques to assist companies with the implementation of lean principles. For further information, contact David Harvey on (08) 8303 2400.
Is there somewhere we can register our interest for work opportunities in the defence, resources, or construction industries?
The Industry Capability Network SA was established to facilitate local industry participation in major projects, and has linkages to project proponents in these sectors and others. For further information, contact the Industry Capability Network SA on (08) 8303 2400.
We have been considering exporting as a way of increasing sales. What help can the Government provide in terms of finding markets and potential business partners?
A range of practical assistance measures are available to help companies export, including financial support and market intelligence. The Government also facilitates industry-led trade missions and can provide in-market assistance with meetings and business contacts. For further information contact the Office of Trade on (08) 8303 2400.
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Exporting from SA
Where do I get help with exporting?
DTED provides a range of services and resources to assist with exporting. We can also put you in touch with organisations that provide specific assistance (e.g. customs, patents, market research).
Getting Started
Publications
How do I get in touch with overseas buyers?
DTED works with the South Australian Government’s overseas commercial representatives to organise inbound buyer missions that promote the State’s products and services.
If you would like to be involved, or get information about upcoming inbound buyers, please contact exportingfromsa@state.sa.gov.au
How do I get involved in outbound trade missions?
DTED organises outbound trade missions to key target markets each year promoting South Australian industry capabilities across all sectors.
We also work closely with industry associations and business chambers in South Australia who organise overseas trade missions.
Trade Missions
How can I get information about overseas markets?
The South Australian Government has seven commercial representative offices around the world that can provide market research and market intelligence, and assist you in developing contacts in your export destinations. Get in touch with our Overseas Contacts.
For information about other export destinations contact Austrade
Also refer to our Export Assistance booklet for further details.
Does Tradestart provide financial assistance?
No, Tradestart is a program that provides a range of free services to assist companies to prepare for exporting, select appropriate export markets and to enter their selected market.
Is Tradestart a State Government or Commonwealth Government program?
Tradestart is a program administered in partnership between the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and allied organisations. In South Australia, that partnership is between Austrade and the Department of Trade and Economic Development.
I am planning an international market visit. Where can I find tips about doing business in an overseas country?
The Austrade web site provides information such as business practices and business etiquette for specific overseas markets.
I am considering exporting a product or service to an international market. Where can I find information on import duties?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade keeps up-to-date information on tariffs for goods and services applicable to specific countries. It is also useful to contact the Customs Department relevant to your overseas market for information on quotas.
I would like to import specific products from overseas. Can the Department of Trade and Economic Development assist me?
The Industry Capability Network (ICNSA) in the Department may be able to advise whether similar products are already available in South Australia.
How do I get a free listing in the Export Suppliers/Services Directory?
Register Your Business
What financial assistance is my business eligible to apply for?
Funding & Grants Register
Market Access Program (MAP)
TradeStart Assistance
Youth Ambassador Program
Who do I contact to arrange work experience with the Department of Trade and Economic Development?
E-mail our Human Resources Department at human.resources@state.sa.gov.au
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Doing Business in SA
What type of Business should I start?
There are many things to consider when selecting the type of business to start or buy. The BizFact, Starting Your Own Business provides information to assist you in making an informed decision.
You should also consider booking into DTED’s free, Starting Your Own Business workshop.
Do I have to register for GST when I get my ABN?
Not unless you think your sales turnover will be greater than $75,000 in twelve months of business operation. When you become aware that your sale turnover might be more than $75,000 in twelve months, you must register for GST. Detailed information is available on the ATO web site
Do I need a licence to run a business?
The Business Licence Information Services (BLIS) is a free service that provides details of all licences you may require to operate your business in South Australia, including Commonwealth and Local Government requirements. Whether you are running a business or thinking of starting one, BLIS will help you to find out easily which licences and permits you need for that business - or any other activities related to that type of Business. The BLIS also provides information of recent changes to license requirements.
Each state has different regulations; therefore you will need to look at the relevant state in which the business will be residing.
What help is available to start a business?
Information, advice and workshops are available for start-ups; all you need to do is telephone a DTED Information Officer on 1800 188 018.
Business Enterprise Centres and Regional Development Boards, which are funded by State and Local Government, can also assist you with business information, advice, programs and networking.
How do I obtain the finance required to start my business?
Careful preparation is essential when it comes to borrowing. It begins with a study of the financial requirements of your business and a matching of the appropriate loan facilities to those requirements.
Business Guide Number 2 – Financing your business looks at the types of finance available, how to go about determining your financial requirements, and maximizing your chances of success through effective planning and negotiation.
Publications
How do I write a business plan?
The process of writing a business plan enables you to determine what commitment, in time and money, you need to make to your business venture and will assist you in presenting a case for finance. Business Guide Number 5 – Planning your business success and the BizFact, Business Planning will assist you in preparing your business plan.
Which business structure should I choose?
One of the early decisions you will face when going into business is what form of legal structure should be adopted. Your choice will involve consideration of many variables and often personal preferences.
Business Guide Number 14, Choosing an ownership structure may assist you in making this decision.
Are there any grants available to start or grow my business?
For information on grants, contact a DTED Information Officer on 1800 188 018 or dtedinfo@state.sa.gov.au, your local Enterprise Centre , Regional Development Board or Funding & Grants.
Can I run my business from home?
In South Australia there are over 60,000 home-based businesses. Business Guide Number 16, Mind your own business from home and the BizFact Home Business Essentials provide information that can help you determine if running a business from home is appropriate for you.
I am experiencing problems in getting paid by a government department – who can help me?
The Small Business Advocate investigates complaints from small business and negotiates with the relevant State Government agencies on behalf of small business.
Contact the Small Business Advocate on 8303 2177, 1800 240 489 or doingbusinessinsa@state.sa.gov.au
What business networking organisations are available for me to join?
Many Industry Associations , Enterprise Centres and Regional Development Boards run regular networking sessions. Family businesses can join Family Business Australia: fbasa@fambiz.com.au or telephone 8291 7999.
What are the differences between employees and independent contractors?
A number of matters should be addressed when considering whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor. The BizFact Employee or Independent Contractor? provides criteria to assist you make an assessment.
How do I determine the appropriate rate of pay for my employees?
Once you have decided to appoint a new staff member, you need to consider the method by which employment is offered and how much your new employee will be paid before selecting a person for the job. The BizFact, Employment Contracts and Remuneration – An Overview provides points to consider and further contact details.
Should I be thinking about a succession or exit plan for my business?
To get help in exploring the issues, contact a DTED Information Officer on 1800 188 018 or dtedinfo@state.sa.gov.au , your local Enterprise Centre or Regional Development Board
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