Lack of government funding and support and overseas options, page-9

yes, we do things different.
though it likely means that those Aust companies that do get going and become massive are very resilient.
Also if you look at our largest 30, most are finance/banking or in mining.
CSL is a stand out and has had a stella rise on the ASX since the Fed govt privatised it.
CBA, Telstra and QANTAS also were privatised by Govt and have done well since. Not good for tax payers though as the Govt missed out on all that revenue.
But Australia policy since the 70s had been caught in a neo liberal small govt mindset and if it looks like a business then the govt policy wonks dont want to be involved.
When FBR has the commercial capacity to do work for the govt, i am sure the govt will throw contracts their way.
But until then those dreaming about govt help for FBR need to watch the film The Castle, and realize that they are dream'n.