Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Bendigo for her question. Earlier today, a senior delegation from the EU, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Sydney, and tomorrow she will address our parliament. She is the first woman to address our parliament as the leader of a country—or a group of countries, when it comes to Europe—and the 20th world leader to address our parliament.

This is a milestone moment for the relationship between Australia and the European Union. It is such an important relationship. The European Union represents the world's second-biggest economy, and it's already Australia's second-biggest trading partner. Our two-way trade is worth some $109 billion. That represents jobs and economic prosperity, and our government has been working patiently and constructively to take that to the next level to give Australian farmers, growers and exporters better access to a market of 450 million consumers and to give our friends in Europe the chance to enjoy Australian food, fibre and wine—the best products in the world, which we are so proud of.

Closer engagement matters for our prosperity. One in three Australian jobs is trade dependent. This follows the work that we've done repairing the relationship with China, establishing the free trade agreement with the UAE to open up those markets, engaging as well with ASEAN and through APEC with our traditional partners and our partners in this region. The upgrade in the relationships with Indonesia and with India all make a difference for us. A free trade agreement with Europe would, of course, strengthen that even further.

But we also need to engage with Europe on matters of security. Australia has, on a bipartisan basis, been unequivocal in our support for the struggle of the Ukrainian people against Russia's illegal invasion. That will remain the case, and we will continue to participate in the coalition of the willing. A security and defence partnership with Europe will deepen that relationship.

In a more volatile world, closer partnerships with trusted friends are more important than they've ever been, not just as a safeguard against uncertainty but as the foundation for greater prosperity and greater security. We look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a great success. And on that note, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.

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