Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week we joined together here in federal parliament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence. Since 1965, when they were a small, undeveloped country with almost zero natural resources, they have become one of the richest and most prosperous nations in the world. How did they do it? They encouraged free trade. They encouraged foreign investment. They had zero tolerance for corruption, kickbacks and secret commissions. They had a government that was small and efficient. Singapore is just another example that trade is the engine of growth.

Trade means jobs. More trade means more jobs. But, shamefully, we have the union bosses and those on the other side of this parliament running a xenophobic campaign against free trade. Shame on every single one of them! There are already 200,000 jobs in this economy that directly rely on exports to China. That is up more than 100,000 in just a few years.

I have trust and confidence in the future of our nation. We should look for free trade agreements. They are the key to our future prosperity. I say to those who speak against free trade agreements and allow disgraceful union campaigns to continue, shame on every single one of you. (Time expired)