Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am glad the member for Wakefield and I agree on one thing. Yet it is simply not enough that we produce the best-quality produce if we do not have market access. For too long, the hardworking and industrious residents of the Barossa, the Riverland, the Mallee and the Murray land in the South-East have run into tariff barriers. For too long, unnecessary tariffs have halted economic development in this nation. For too long, tariffs stood as immovable barriers to the free flow of trade in our region. Well, I say: bring down that wall. Let the enterprise and industry of the residents of Barker be rewarded with the prosperity they so deserve. The government fundamentally values individual enterprise and it is time to obliterate the arbitrary constraints these tariff barriers have imposed on our agriculture and food manufacturing sectors. It is time for Australia's farmers and food manufacturers to seize the opportunities presented by the rise of China.

Since the day the residents of Barker elected me, I have worked tirelessly to further their interests in this place. I cannot think of a more transformative achievement for the constituents of Barker than the finalisation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. This is a deal that embraces the 21st century. I commend the efforts of the Minister for Trade on his industrious pursuit of better outcomes for all Australians. I encourage each and every Australian out there to make the most of the opportunities that this deal affords them. I commend the bill to the House.

See this speech in context