September 21, 2015
Gippsland primary producers are well-positioned to capitalise on new opportunities under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
The Nationals MP said Gippsland was ideally placed to benefit from the agreement due to high demand for Australian dairy, meat and other food products.
The free trade agreement, which is now before the Parliament, will reduce and eventually eliminate some tariffs for agricultural exports.
“This is a great deal for Australian farmers,” Mr Chester said.
“Gippsland has highly sought-after agricultural products and there is no doubt a FTA with China would lead to increased investment, more production and therefore more jobs for locals.
“Regional communities stand to benefit greatly. The National Farmers’ Federation suggests this China-Australia FTA is worth $300 million to Australia in the first year alone.”
The Gippsland MP also said the China-Australia FTA would preserve existing market testing and labour market protection.
“Under the Investor Facilitation Agreements, foreign investors must first test the job market for Australian workers before starting their project. These market tests are very strict and there is no possibility to pay less than Australian wages,” Mr Chester said.
“There are also strict requirements that any foreign workers must adhere to Australian workplace safety laws and standards.
“The conditions in the China-Australia FTA are the same for our FTAs with Japan, Korea and Chile. In all of those agreements, the protection for workers is the same.”
“The China-Australia FTA is a better deal than what China reached with New Zealand – and the Kiwis have benefited substantially over the past five years since signing their FTA.”
Mr Chester said he was pleased to see Andrew Robb retained as Trade Minister in the new Coalition Ministry announced on Sunday.
CAPTION: Trade Minister Andrew Robb and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester believe Gippsland farmers will be well-placed to benefit from a free trade deal with China.
