Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for the question. I would go back to what we said we would do before the election. Before the election we said to the Australian people that a Labor government would stabilise the relationship with China without compromising Australia's sovereign interests. That's what we said we would do and that is what we have done. Prime Minister Albanese's visit to China was the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016 and my second visit as foreign minister. I indicate that we appreciated the courtesy extended to the Prime Minister and to the Australian delegation.

The visit was an opportunity to continue our calm and consistent approach with China, the same approach that is delivering progress for the Australian people, progress in the resumption of trade. I acknowledge the work that Senator Farrell, as Minister for Trade and Tourism, has done on these matters when it comes to trade between our two countries in barley, coal, timber logs, cotton, hay, copper ores and concentrates. Australia continues to press for the resumption of trade in wine, red meat and lobster. We know that the period of trade impediments was really challenging for so many Australians, because trade matters to Australian jobs and China is our most important trading partner, representing more than 25 per cent of our exports, and one in four of our jobs relies on trade.

The Australian people know that we—this government—will continue to speak out on the matters that are important to Australians, which include not only trade impediments but Australians detained in China and human rights. I was very privileged to have the opportunity with Prime Minister Albanese to mark the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by an Australian prime minister, Gough Whitlam, in 1973. His historic visit is a powerful reminder that whoever has the privilege of serving in these roles also has the responsibility to navigate this relationship wisely.