John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to give my strongest possible support to the government's actions in securing a free trade agreement with China, our nation's biggest trading partner. The economic growth and increased investment that will be delivered as a direct result of this agreement will improve the life of every Australian, from the ports of Western Australia to my own electorate of Bennelong.

Many times in this place I have spoken of my very good fortune to represent a community with a large, vibrant and engaged community of Chinese-Australians. At many local events, we have discussed the importance of building bridges between our two nations to allow even stronger linkages as partners in trade, business and culture. This free trade agreement cements that bridge and will create many business opportunities and employment opportunities for Bennelong residents.

It is therefore with great surprise that we witness the Labor Party opposing this trade deal. Of course, they do this as a puppet of their union masters—in particular the CFMEU, who have a long history of opposition to Chinese migration and trade. The people of Bennelong call on the opposition leader: it is time to stand up to these unacceptable motivations of the union movement. It is time to recognise the great benefits of this agreement and what it will deliver to all Australians and to support its passage through parliament.