Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Edwards for his question and acknowledge his longstanding interest in this particular sector of the South Australian economy. It is astonishing that Senator Wong continues to demonise the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement knowing full well how it will positively benefit her winemaker constituents in South Australia. The South Australian wine industry, like the nation's more broadly, has had some difficult years. In August, the South Australian Wine Industry Association convened a meeting of 40 industry leaders to discuss how the industry can return to profitability, one of the key issues being demand for their product.

Before turning to South Australia, I note that the West Australian wine industry has also been experiencing difficult times. A report in The Australian on Saturday featured a small winemaker in the electorate of Canning, Mr Bernie Worthington, who says:

As far as I'm concerned, any-thing that's going to help exports into China should be welcomed. We are trying to build re-lationships with the Chinese, the market up there is just massive.

Indeed, China is now our third largest wine export market. ChAFTA's elimination of the 14 to 20 per cent China tariff will be a major stimulus to wine exports. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement should be expedited.

Roger Sharp from Treasury Wine Estates, whose famous brand Penfold's originated in South Australia, says: 'The ChAFTA provides immense opportunities for Australian winemakers regardless of their size. It is imperative that it is ratified and ratified quickly.' Paul Evans of the Winemakers Federation said:

We estimate delays in implementation could cost the Australian wine industry over $50 million.

This is a good deal for the Australian wine industry. (Time expired)