Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Hughes for his question and acknowledge his ongoing interest in foreign policy and defence matters. The Australian government is strengthening our bilateral relationships to boost our national security and deliver economic outcomes that benefit Australians—in other words, keeping Australians safe and providing job opportunities for Australians. Our free trade deals with China, Japan and South Korea have enabled Australians to export their goods and services to new and dynamic markets. We have enhanced our security ties and increased intelligence sharing in our region to keep Australians safe.

Relationships matter. And an important way to build these stronger relationships is in the exchange of young people. Under reciprocal arrangements with more than 30 other nations, tens of thousands of young Australians undertake working holidays in other countries each year, while we welcome tens of thousands of young people from Europe, North and South America and Asia on working holidays here. It is reciprocal.

The contrast with Labor is stark, and their hypocrisy is profound. The opposition leader attacks overseas workers, despite approving record numbers while he was the relevant minister. I have to say: the opposition leader's inflammatory words demonising foreigners who work in Australia risks damaging those reciprocal working-holiday arrangements which have built goodwill among nations and millions of young people from around the world, and it is in our interest to have these young workers here—particularly to fill some labour-force requirements in some sectors. But, oh! The opposition leader has form on the hypocrisy front. Remember when the opposition leader called for greater engagement in Asia, and then insulted Japan, a key strategic partner, by invoking past military aggression?

That was an attack that even Troy Bramston, a former Labor adviser, described as racist rhetoric.

Mr Champion interjecting —

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