Question time has begun with a question from deputy Nationals leader Darren Chester, who asked Agriculture Minister Julie Collins whether she believed the EU free trade agreement was a good deal for Australian farmers.
“At a time of a national fuel crisis which is hurting our farmers, the National Farmers Federation is extremely disappointed with the free trade agreement announced with the European Union today, and said Australian farmers, and I quote, ‘will now pay the price for this subpar EU deal for decades to come’,” Chester said.
Alex Ellinghausen
“Minister, do you really believe this is a good deal for Australian farmers?”
Collins rose to respond and was repeatedly held up by rowdy behaviour in the chamber. Former Nationals leader David Littleproud was ejected during the tumult.
“The Albanese Labor government has worked day and night to rebuild our trading relations that we inherited from those opposite when they left office. Let’s be honest about it, [the Coalition] left us with trade impediments of millions and billions of dollars,” Collins said.
“Today’s Australia-EU free trade agreement represents an opportunity for Australian farmers, fishers and other agricultural producers. It’s not only an important outcome at a time of global trade uncertainty, it further supports the diversification of our agricultural products and our agricultural exports.”
