Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question and acknowledge the extraordinary importance of the live cattle industry in her home territory of the Northern Territory, and also acknowledge her extraordinary advocacy on behalf of the people, the farmers and the workers in that industry through what was a tremendously terrible time for them following the overnight decision in 2011 to ban live exports to Indonesia—a totally devastating act for that industry. Since coming to office, this government has tried to provide that industry with the support that it needs to get back on its feet and to provide it with confidence in its future. We've worked with the industry to make sure that the rules are in place and that the markets are established so that we can continue to grow this fantastic industry for Australia. The government is absolutely committed to the future of this industry.

Since coming to office, we have worked to strengthen our export markets and identify new market access opportunities. In fact, on 5 July, thanks to the tremendously hard work of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, my colleague Senator Birmingham, the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will enter into force—an absolutely major milestone in our trade relationship with Indonesia. This new trade agreement is a win for the northern cattle farmers. It is also a win for all Australians, with duty-free cattle exported to Indonesia—575,000 head at a zero per cent tariff for this first year, increasing by four per cent every year up to a total of 700,000 head. There will also be an immediate halving of the tariff on frozen beef meat, from five to 2½ per cent, and the elimination of tariffs over five years, opening up another market for your cattle farmers, Senator. So, rather than taking a knee-jerk reaction that damages our relationship and tears down Australian farmers in the process, the Morrison government is committed to continuing to support this vibrant industry across northern Australia and is committed to it going forward.