Trade deals high on Abbott’s agenda

During the election campaign, incoming Prime Minister Tony Abbott noted his country lagged behind New Zealand when it came to FTAs.

He pointed out New Zealand had started and concluded an FTA with China while Australia’s negotiations were stalled for eight years.

“That’s not good enough. New Zealand agricultural exports to China are booming while ours are just ticking over. If Australia was serious about being a foodbowl for Asia in the future, the government had to conclude lingering FTAs and improve trade conditions.”

The Coalition’s agriculture policy pre-election included completing an FTA for “a meaningful outcome for agriculture”. Other funding promises were $A100m in R&D, $A15m in helping small exporters meet the costs of trade, and $A100m for better mobile phone coverage in rural communities.

Australian farmers want the incoming Federal Government to turn its promises into action. The National Farmers Federation says agriculture must remain a priority.

NFF president Duncan Fraser says it is ready to work with Abbott and colleagues to ensure farming remains profitable and competitive.

“The NFF has made it clear in the leadup to the election where the priorities for food, fibre and agriculture lie… innovation, research, development and extension (RD&E); that we continue to ensure agriculture is globally competitive; that the farming workforce is developed to address the growing labour shortages in the sector; and ensuring natural resources are managed while increasing agricultural production. 

“The need for agriculture to be reprioritised on the national agenda remains as strong as ever…. It is now time for the Coalition government to turn their promises into action.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister John Cobb is expected to be named the new agriculture minister.  Cobb is a member of the Nationals, the junior partner in the Coalition. The Nationals represent Australia’s rural constituents.

Last week, Abbott confirmed Nationals leader Warren Truss will be the deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister. Deputy Liberal leader Julia Bishop will be foreign affairs minister.