Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, the work goes on, Senator Patterson. You are absolutely correct, through you, Mr President. The Turnbull coalition government—for it is a coalition government, and the National Party have benefited greatly from those free trade agreements, solid free traders—are working towards agreements with the European Union and Indonesia, and engaging with the United Kingdom post Brexit. We will continue to build support for an Australia-EU free trade agreement and reinforce the strength of Australia's relationship with the EU and its member states. The Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment met with the European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmstrom, and joined the Minister for Foreign Affairs in addressing the European parliament. The EU is our second-largest trading partner and our largest source of foreign investment. It is our largest two-way trade-in-services partner. A free trade agreement will drive economic growth and create jobs as European businesses look to Australia as a gateway to Asia. (Time expired)