Tom Venning (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

There is disappointment currently being felt by farmers across my electorate. The government has completely sold out Australian agriculture with an unfair free trade deal with the EU. Pushed through during a period of global crisis, this agreement is a missed opportunity. It falls drastically short of industry expectations. Make no mistake: what we have seen here cannot be characterised as a free trade agreement. It's far from free. It is a dog's breakfast. The EU continues to protect its own interests while Australia is left picking up the tab again. Consider the beef sector. This agreement grants just over 30,000 tonnes of access over the next decade, yet 50,000 tonnes was the absolute minimum to remain competitive. This government has lost control of the economy. It's like a runaway truck with no brakes—and, because that truck has no diesel, when it finally comes to a stop, they won't be able to start it up again.

I just want to share some facts about energy density for our Greens and teal voters. Prime movers cannot run on batteries. Mining trucks cannot run on batteries. Tractors cannot run on batteries. Fishing boats cannot run on batteries. More than 50 per cent of energy consumed in this country is from liquid fuels. Get the diesel moving and get this economy moving.

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