The Australian Government has reached an agreement in principle with the United Kingdom Government on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Member for Baker Tony Pasin said today that farmers and agricultural workers in Barker were big winners in the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“In my electorate of Barker there are more people per capita engaged in food manufacturing than in any other electorate in Australia.”
“The historic Australia-UK free trade deal will strengthen our economy by delivering more jobs and business opportunities to Australians, especially in the manufacturing sector.”
The Coalition Government had secured tariff free access to the UK’s 66 million customers for Australian meat, sheepmeat, dairy, wine, rice and sugar.
“Farmers in Barker will be happy with this deal,” Mr Pasin said.
“Our Government has negotiated for our local producers to be more attractive to new customers which will support jobs and businesses in Barker.”
“We produce high-quality and price competitive produce in Barker and this FTA will give our local products tariff free access to the UK.” Mr Pasin said.
Under the FTA Agreement in Principle:
The FTA will improve working holiday opportunities for youth in both countries. Eligibility to participate will be raised from 30 to 35, stays allowed up to three years, and people will have more freedom to choose where they work.
Mr Pasin said UK FTA would be the most comprehensive and liberal agreement Australia had signed, outside of our partnership with New Zealand.
“Our Government worked very closely with the agriculture sector when negotiating this FTA to ensure the best deal possible for our farmers,” Mr Pasin said.
“There is still much work to do, on what is a complex legal document, but this agreement is a win for jobs, businesses, free trade and highlights what two liberal democracies can achieve while working together,” Mr Pasin said.
ENDS