Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

South Australia produces some of this country's best wine, the majority of which comes from my electorate. Barker includes world-renowned wine regions: the Barossa, the Coonawarra and the Riverland. It's no wonder I'm sometimes referred to in this place as the member for wine, not because of the amount I consume but because of how much of the industry I represent. As such, I'm thrilled that Australian wine continues to be in such high demand worldwide. The latest figures show that in the 12 months to March exports increased by 16 per cent, reaching $2.65 billion. Volumes have also increased by 10 per cent to a whopping 884 million litres.

Our wine exports to China have set a new record, increasing 51 per cent in the 12 months to March—a little over $1 billion. While we produce highly sought-after quality product, this government's free trade agreement and agenda has paved the way for increased access into these markets. It's no coincidence that wine exports into China have grown at record rates as wine tariffs drop in line with the ChAFTA. These tariffs will be completely removed by January 2019. As a result, Australian wine producers will be in pole position in front of their French, Italian and Spanish counterparts. Like the perfect storm, the 2019 vintage is also looking like an exceptional one. Through our ambitious trade agenda, this government is supporting our wine producers and the 170,000 Australians they employ.

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