Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak in support of the TPP-11, another trade agreement signed by the coalition government.

Over the last five years it has been a focus for the Liberal and National government to deliver those new trade openings, and we have signed or updated seven free trade agreements. Why is that important? Because in my area we rely predominantly on trade, whether that is the tourist trade, the agricultural trade, the services trade or even education, in terms of those international students that come to Australia to get the Australian experience and an Australian education. In fact, while in a previous portfolio role I found a Queensland trained student from the Griffith University working as a protocol officer in Fujairah, and who was also a North Queensland Cowboys supporter. They haven't had a great year this year, but I'm sure there'll be an opportunity for that gentleman in the next season.

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