Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Businesses right across the country are getting ready for the benefits of ChAFTA to kick in. The Mildura Fruit Company is located in the birthplace of one of my great friends and colleagues, the Minister for Cities and the Built Environment, Mr Briggs. One of Australia's leading citrus packers, Mildura Fruit Company, situated in the picturesque north-west corner of Victoria, is gearing up for ChAFTA. Senator McKenzie is getting very excited. China has become a major destination for the Mildura Fruit Company, after exporting there in 2011. Mildura Fruit Company source from orchards across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Perry Hill, the General Manager of Mildura Fruit Company, has said the big market in China for citrus fruit has been tough to compete in against Southern Hemisphere competitors such as Chile, who already has an agreement with China. Mr Hill says:

ChAFTA means that tariffs of up to 12% across oranges and mandarins will be eliminated over the next 8 years. This outcome will make our fruit more and more competitive …

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