Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Griff for the question. I do note, however, that Senator Griff is asking me to reflect upon a position taken by the opposition. It's for the opposition to speak of their position. However, I do note certain statements made by the opposition today that I welcome as constructive statements, in terms of what would be a continuance of long-held practice across matters of foreign policy and trade policy, where the parties of government seek to work in a constructive manner together. That does stand in some stark contrast to those on the crossbenches, at times, who seek to play politics with matters of national interest.

Senator Griff's question was in relation to the TPP-11. This is a trade agreement that is going to substantially expand access for Australian goods suppliers, Australian services suppliers and Australian investors to a wideranging marketplace. There are some 11 countries with a combined GDP of more than $13.8 trillion and close to 500 million consumers across the TPP countries. What we're going to see is enhanced market access for Australian exporters. I heard Senator Macdonald reference sugar producers, beef producers, grains producers, wine producers and a range of goods industries, as well as those in the services sector that have broadly welcomed the TPP. They have welcomed the opportunities it will provide for increased generation of income for Australians, and, as a result of that increased generation of income, increased job opportunities for Australians in the future too.