Austrade stand as Fine Food Australia expo has an ‘Indigenous Only’ policy: ‘Going down a race track is wrong’

A highly successful food business owner has slammed Australia’s export trade body Austrade for banning him and other non-Indigenous entrepreneurs from a major international trade exhibition.

The Fine Food Australia expo – currently taking place at the International Convention Center in Sydney – has an Austrade exhibition, but the man said he was turned away because he is not Indigenous and he fears attacks from ‘the woke brigade’ .

In an email read out by 2GB’s Ben Fordham, the man said he was ‘furious’ at the alleged race-related criticism.

Federal National Party leader David Littleproud also expressed anger, saying Trade Minister Don Farrell, who oversees Austrade, and the Albanian government must answer “serious questions”.

He said if the best companies aren’t picked by Austrade, “unfortunately what you’re doing is you’re diminishing our brand” in the eyes of overseas buyers viewing Australian products.

“Traditionally, Austrade invites a mix of Australian companies,” he explained.

‘They get the opportunity to present their products to major foreign buyers. This year, however, it’s a different story.

“When we asked if we could be involved, Austrade told us they only allowed Aboriginal businesses in their exhibition,” he said.

The man made it clear that he did not question the quality of the goods offered.

“While the selected First Nations companies have good products, many of them are not ready for export, and some don’t even have websites,” he said.

The businessman said he had to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions.

“We are too afraid to raise these concerns publicly as this could jeopardize future government transactions and also expose our company to attacks from the woke brigade.”

There are 15 companies featured in the Austrade exhibition and they are all indigenous companies, either through their owners or their products.

Among the goods they have on display are Aboriginal biscuits, sparkling water and chocolates.

Mr Littleproud was also keen to say he was not disparaging the companies chosen to participate.

‘But what Austrade’s job is is to protect and promote the Australian brand, and if you can’t enter the international market and you don’t have the capacity or the scale to do that then unfortunately what you’re doing is weakening you our brand.

“It could do more damage than good,” he said. ‘Not just for indigenous companies, but for all companies.

“Even if you go down… a race track is wrong. And here we are going to ask serious questions to the minister and the Albanian government.”

The Nationals leader said he wants to know ‘who gave the lead, why did they give the lead. And if they can validate it in a convincing way, we’re all ears.

‘But the minister must give us full insight if this is correct. If Austrade is unwilling to answer these simple questions, the Minister and the Albanian Government must come in and give us the reasons why.”

He said the expo “should ensure that we can all promote our products on the international stage, regardless of your race, regardless of your religion.”

“That’s the beauty of this country, and I would be very disappointed if that direction came from the government, if that is the case.”

Mr Littleproud said the Austrade exhibition would normally “not be about whether you are Indigenous or not.

“It’s about whether you have the capacity to enter international markets and protect and promote the Australia brand that we want to continue to export.

“So I would really like to see what the criteria was for each of these companies to be able to present themselves at Austrade, on their stand,” he said.

He also pointed out how important the fair is to Australian exports: ‘This is the very highest level of fine dining…

“And that’s why we have to give the opportunity no matter who the business (owner) is, as long as the business is Australian owned and employs Australian people.

Despite the fuss over the Austrade stand, there are also 635 other exhibitors showcasing their wares at the Fine Food Australia expo (pictured)

“It doesn’t matter who owns it as long as they are here in this country supporting our economy,” Littleproud said.

Austrade’s assistant managing director David Lawson said in a video on the show’s website: “It’s a focal point for us to be able to get our overseas customers excited to come and see for themselves.”

Despite the fuss over Austrade’s stand, 635 other exhibitors are showcasing their wares at the Fine Food Australia expo.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Austrade for comment.