November 2026 EMDG Newsletter
Not much to say really, but I thought it was best to send a November update anyway.
Round 4 2025/2026 Milestone Reports – Processing Update
Applications are still being processed, without being too critical the term “at a snail’s pace” comes to mind.
We have only 12.5% of our lodged applications to go, well below statistics advised by Austrade for all applications in recent weeks.
We have previously advised that we think Austrade would have a target to complete all before the Xmas break, well we bloody well hope so, that would mean that some clients have waited some 6 months to be paid.
Not good enough !
Minister’s response to the 2026 EMDG Independent Review.
Another racing snail here as well.
The report was given to Minister Farrell in May of this year.
Things are being looked at and discussions happening with Austrade, but no formal response press release has been issued yet.
EMDG was booked in to be discussed at the recent Senate Estimates and we waited with bated breath to see if there would be any big announcements!
Result? Nothing…. you could say the snail died.
EMDG was bumped, with the trade discussion section focused on the current EU trade agreement and some tourism matters.
Does not bode too well.
Something could happen any day, but I think it will be the New Year before any announcements made.
EMDG Round 5 – When and What will it look like?
Austrade is working on the shape of the new EMDG as it moves from a “first in first served basis” to a merit based one.
This is big change and Austrade does need to get it right to prevent a repeat of the bad policy design, application lodgment issues that beset the program back in late 2024.
There has been no industry consultation to date other than a brief update to the industry group we are members of back in early September.
Austrade cannot report anything until the Minister gives clearance to do so.
A classic script from “Yes Minister”.
The Minister saying “I am waiting on my department”. The department saying “we are waiting on the Minister”.
Something could happen any day, but given the approaching year end It think it will be the new year before we hear anything of real substance, most likely after Austrade finishes the processing of the remaining 2025/2026 milestone reports.
We do not know what EMDG round 5 will look like, we are also very much in the dark when applications can be lodged, the time allowed to do so and how long it will take to be told funds will be paid in advance or not.
The changes to move to “merit” based application process is a bit of a shift.
It could happen in March/April 2027, but would be very much rushed. I also do not think it would meet legislative change requirements, you have table any rules changes in parliament first follow that timing process.
I would not think it would happen in May to September or so, as Austrade will be busy (as it has been in recent months) processing the 2026/2027 milestone reports.
Once you get in September/October, you are well past the July 1 start date for the 2027/2028 year.
I am speculating with no factual knowledge, it could be that EMDG Round 5 does not cover the 2027/2028 year at all, but will kick in from July 1, 2028 instead.
I think the EMDG snail being well and truly dead and buried , if this happens.
We can only sit and wait.
All the best,
Stuart & team