Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) recognises:

(a) the conclusion of negotiations between Australia and the European Union (EU) to secure a free trade agreement, which will:

(i) deliver significant economic benefits to Australian consumers, workers, producers and exporters by opening the doors of the EU's $30 trillion economy and 450 million consumers;

(ii) eliminate tariffs on almost all Australian exports to the EU;

(iii) guarantee new and significant market access for Australian farmers and producers, creating more well paid jobs here at home; and

(iv) reduce costs for Australian consumers and businesses by making imports from the EU cheaper by cutting tariffs; and

(b) that the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement will make EU investment in Australia easier, creating more jobs and supporting economic growth; and

(2) notes that in times of turbulence in global trade, Australia is strengthening our partnerships across the world.

The conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union is not just another trade deal; it's a landmark agreement that opens the door to one of the largest, wealthiest markets in the world—450 million people and a combined economy worth around $30 trillion. At a time when global trade is becoming more uncertain and competitive, this agreement sends a clear message: Australia is outward looking, confident and committed to strengthening partnerships with like-minded economies.

For too long, many Australian industries, especially in agriculture, have faced barriers to the EU market. Tariffs, quotas, complex regulations have made it difficult for our producers to compete on a level playing field. This agreement changes that. It will eliminate tariffs in a vast majority of Australian exports, making our products more competitive, affordable and accessible across Europe. For regions like the Hunter, this is an absolute game-changer. The Hunter is one of Australia's great economic regions. It is diverse, resilient and proud. It is home to not only world-class coal and energy exports but also to thriving agriculture, advanced manufacturing, tourism, Australia's finest thoroughbreds and one of the most iconic wine regions in this country. We are known for wines, mines and equines.

Hunter Valley wine is recognised globally for its quality, heritage and unique character, but, despite that reputation, access to European markets has not always been straightforward. This agreement will change that by removing tariffs on Australian wine exports, helping our winemakers compete more effectively in a valuable and high-income market. That means more opportunities for our vineyards, more certainty for our producers and more jobs flowing through local communities, from cellar doors to logistics and hospitality.

It's not just wine; this agreement delivers significant benefits across the broader agriculture sector as well. It removes tariffs on products such as dairy, grains, horticulture, honey and processed food, while improving access for beef and sheepmeat through expanded quotas. For farmers across the Hunter and regional New South Wales, this opens a market that has been effectively closed for decades. It means greater diversification for export markets, something that is critical in today's global environment. It means reducing reliance on a single trading partner and strengthening economic resilience. It also means creating more well-paid jobs right here at home.

The benefits do not stop at agriculture. The Hunter is also a region at the forefront of Australia's energy transition. From traditional energy exports to emerging industries like hydrogen and critical minerals, the region is positioning itself as a key player in the future of global energy. This agreement supports that transition by eliminating tariffs on Australian energy and resources exports, including critical minerals and hydrogen, and by providing greater certainty for investors. That is crucial. Attracting investment will drive new projects, industries and jobs in regions like the Hunter. Under this agreement, investment flows between Australia and the European Union will become easier, helping to unlock that potential.

We also know that modern economies are not built on goods alone. Services, from education and tourism to financial and professional services, are a growing part of Australia's export story. This agreement creates new opportunities for Australian service providers by making it easier to operate in the European Union, including through streamlined recognition of professional qualifications and improved mobility of workers. That means more opportunities for Aussies to take their skills to the world and bring that experience back home.

This agreement will also deliver benefits to Australian consumers. By reducing tariffs on imports from the EU, it will also lower costs for businesses and provide Australians with access to a wider range of more affordable goods, from machinery to vehicles and everyday household products.

This agreement is about more than trade figures and tariff schedules. It's about people. It's about winemakers in the Hunter looking to expand into new markets. It's about farmers seeking a fairer price for their product. It's about the worker who benefits from new jobs created by increased export and investment. It's about ensuring that all Australia remains competitive, resilient and prosperous in a rapidly changing global economy. In times of turbulence, we do not turn inward; we reach outward. We build stronger partnerships. We open new doors and we back Australian industries to succeed on the world stage. This agreement does exactly that. I commend the motion to the House.

See this speech in context