Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I'll take that interjection. This is not hypothetical, this is a reality. That is what will happen under these agreements. Again, if Senator Whish-Wilson had actually read this material, he would understand that that is the case and this is an issue that is directly relevant to these customs and customs tariff amendment bills here today. But that's not it; there is more, Senator Patrick, in terms of disadvantage for Australia. Australia would receive enhanced quota volumes for wheat and barley. Canada would receive an additional 40,000 tonnes of wheat exports into Japan—again, a significant disadvantage for Australian farmers. Australia's exports of wheat and barley to Japan were worth over half a billion dollars last financial year. So, again, there will be tangible and specific disadvantages for a number of Australian industries if we are not in that first six. The TPP-11 will eliminate all remaining tariffs on Australian raw wool exports to TPP-11 countries from entry into force. Australian wool exports to TPP-11 countries are valued at $35 million and growing.

Finally, the TPP-11 links Australia with some of the world's major automotive producers, including Japan, Mexico and Canada, and we would not have preferential access to these markets for our steel products. Senator Patrick, again, the facts are very clear, and I welcome these questions on this issue because they are directly relevant to these bills and the consequence of not passing these bills.