Brett Whiteley (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The reality is that they had six years to deliver an enhancement to help the exporters of Tasmania to get the greatest produce in this country to some of the greatest markets in the world—and they failed to do it. I take on board the comments of the member for Franklin—who also gave due credit to Tasmanian Irrigation, who have done a great job. There has been some degree of bipartisanship there. And we have just delivered $60 million towards five projects that will greatly enhance the productivity levels in Tasmania.

Can I reflect, just for a moment, on some of the great stories that are coming out of the agricultural sector in my electorate. The week before last, I attended an amazing opening of an amazing facility: a specialty cheese facility built by Lion in the heart of the city of Burnie. That represents $150 million of investment—I have never seen more stainless steel in my life! It is the biggest such facility in the southern hemisphere. They are voting with their dollars in the confidence they have in the region. The great dairy products that are being produced out of my electorate in Braddon are something to behold. There is also the great story about Costa in my electorate and the way in which they are advancing their cause into the markets—into the local markets, but also having an eye to export markets in the near future with some of the funds that we have invested; where they can keep much greater stocks of berries and sell them into a market where the seasonal conditions are not there. I want to pay particular attention to Circular Head, who are doing everything they can to resurrect their own local economy in the midst of the Tasmanian economy—and they are doing a great job. International investors are showing tremendous appetites for what is going on in that part of the world, and great confidence. Can I also talk about the reality of the reduction of red tape for producers—we are getting out of their way. I will also say that we are now offering a great opportunity, through the budget of just a few weeks ago, to these small businesses—called farms. We have 3,600-odd farms in the state of Tasmania: whilst we may only have two per cent of the country's population, we have over three per cent of the country's farms. That is a great credit to the people of Tasmania.

The shadow minister responded—and I always enjoy his contribution; you know, he does not say much but he is good to look at!—but he did not mention the free trade agreements. He did not mention the free trade agreements—

Honourable members interjecting—

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