We provide an update of all things EMDG for the month of August.
It is all about the timing and numbers.
Round 4 Milestone Reports – Processing Update
We have already told you on an individual basis that Austrade is now auditing all applications in strict lodgment date order.
80% of milestone reports being lodged by June 15th.
20% of milestone reports lodged after that date up to June 30th.
Austrade are currently up to June 11th by our best estimate and have processed 50% of the estimated 2600+ lodged milestone reports and hence have 50% to go!
Austrade are aiming to process things as soon as can, with a view to a September 30th completion date.
As soon as we get contact from Austrade will swing into action on your behalf.
Independent Review report – Response by Minister Farrell yet to happen
The Minister is yet to release his formal response to Mr. Yeend’s report of June 2026.
Which of the 29 recommendations for change to EMDG will be accepted or not.
The shape (new rules and regulations) of Round 5 cannot commence until this happens.
The timing of the Minister’s response is in his hands.
We have no inkling of when. We just hope it will be sooner than later.
Round 5 Applications – Commencement date
Given our advice above that the shape of Round 5 is yet to be determined, the Round 5 application process will take some time to be developed by Austrade.
The proposed shift to a merit-based assessment system as apposed to eligibility/ first in, first served approach is a major pivot that will take time to bed down and get the right lodgment and assessment processes and practices in place.
There may be a requirement for change to the EMDG Act (unlikely), EMDG Rules (still to be tabled in parliament) but at a minimum there will be the need for a whole swag of new policies, application guidelines, online portal changes and new assessment systems and practices.
It will take time to get things right; we do not want a repeat of the issues that plagued Round 4.
The Round 5 application process will not open this year; it will happen sometime in 2027.
We think this is the correct thing to do.
All the best,
Stuart & Wayne