Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Our focus as a government, led by Minister Robb, was to achieve the best possible deal for Australia in our national interest. Minister Robb has done an outstanding job over the last 12 months in not only successfully concluding free trade agreements with Japan and South Korea but also now reaching a successful conclusion in relation to a free trade agreement with China. I am not a commentator on what happens in these negotiations except to say that the government is very, very pleased with the deal that has been achieved, which is a significant advance when it comes to trade opportunities for Australia in what is one of our most important markets. More trade means more jobs. More trade means stronger economic growth in Australia. Today really is a very good day for Australia.