Nationals Senator for Victoria and Chair of the Senate Joint Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Sub Committee, Bridget McKenzie said talks
in Sydney have reaffirmed the importance of trade between Australia and the
European Union.
Senator McKenzie said two-way trade between Australia and the European Union is worth $98 billion dollars while exports from Australia to the EU are more than $30 billion.
“I was delighted to meet with the six members of the European Parliament’s
International Trade Committee from Germany, Austria, Poland, Finland and the
U.K. and discuss trade negotiations with Australia.
“In particular I raised the issue of beef and sheep exports from Australia which
have been restricted by low volume import quotas and high import tariffs.
“Those restrictions have been higher with the U.K. included in the trading bloc but
with Britain’s decision to leave the EU that could open up trade for Australia
and I was keen to discuss that.
“Despite these restrictions, red meat exports to the E.U. from Australia are worth $425
million and ranks 7th on the export list.
“Another subject I raised was Australian wine and in particular prosecco from Victoria’s
North East.
“This is a particularly delightful variety which I am sure will find an increasing
market in the E.U.”
Senator McKenzie said both the E.U. and Australian politicians at the meeting were keen
to see negotiations settled as soon as possible.
“In a recent report the committee emphasised its keenness pursue the E.U. for increased
trade and these talks certainly opened up that pathway,” Senator McKenzie said.
Report Available at:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/tradewithUK/Interim_Report/section?id=committees%2freportjnt%2f024101%2f25068