Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

You're right, Senator Sterle: another question on agriculture from the Labor Party, the only party that asks questions or shows an interest in agriculture in this chamber.

Today, I have good news for Aussie farmers, especially in Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia. The Albanese government is committed to ensuring Australian farmers, processors and exporters have the best possible access to international markets. Senator Pratt, as you alluded to, there have been positive developments in recent weeks in stabilising our relationship with China, and that has seen the removal of trade impediments in horticulture, cotton and timber and of course last week's removal of tariffs from Australian barley. The Albanese government's calm persistence and sensible dialogue have expedited an outcome for Australian barley producers with the removal of tariff barriers.

I have seen that reporting that you referred to, Senator Pratt, about some key grains exporters still not having access to the Chinese market, so it gives me great pleasure today to provide the Senate with an update. Earlier today, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry received formal notification from the Chinese customs agency that CBH grain and Emerald Grain Australia would be reinstated as registered exporters of barley to China. This, as I say, is great news for Australian farmers and the whole grain supply chain.

The Albanese government certainly welcomes this decision. The removal of the suspensions for these two exporters was the result of ongoing technical discussions between our two countries and follows last week's decision to remove the duties applied to Australian barley. I caught up with representatives from CBH, as I know many people did, last night at the Showcase WA function here in Parliament House. I know that Rob Dickie and Brianna Peake join us here in the gallery this afternoon. There are good days and bad days for Australian agriculture, and today is a good day. Both companies will be able to recommence trade with their Chinese customers from today. I'd like to acknowledge the advocacy of Senators Wong and Farrell over a long time, as well as the many officials and industries who have helped along. Time expired)