Webster welcomes agreement

The Federal Government has signed a landmark free trade agreement with the United

Kingdom, delivering a significant boost to farmers and jobs.

This once-in-a generation agreement will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of Australian agricultural

exports, giving Australian exporters a competitive edge.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the trade-boosting benefits of the A-UKFTA will be seen almost

immediately across a wide range of industries in Mallee.

“On day one of the agreement’s entry into force, tariffs on 99 per cent of Australian goods entering the UK

will be eliminated, fast tracking new export opportunities and jobs in Mallee. All tariffs on British imports

will be phased out within five years, saving Australian households and businesses up to $200 million every

year,” Dr Webster said.

“Our steak, lamb chops, rice, wine and dairy products will all have immediately improved access to the UK

market at lower or zero duties, and that's wonderful for our agriculture sector in Mallee,” Dr Webster said.

“Australian farmers will benefit from the historic deal by having better access to a market of more than 65

million UK consumers who value safe, sustainably produced foods and beverages with the strong

provenance Australia offers.”

“Within two years of entry into force of the agreement, Australian Working Holiday Visa makers will have

expanded rights and will be able to stay in the UK for up to three years with an increased cut off age of 35.

“Australian professionals will have the same access to the UK’s lucrative market as their European

competitors, except from the Republic of Ireland. This means Australians can compete on an equal footing

as Europeans which has not been possible for the past 40 years.

“Australian suppliers of all sizes, including SMEs, will have the guaranteed right to bid for a greater variety

of UK government contracts in a procurement market worth an estimated half-a-trillion dollars annually.”

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