Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sterle for his question. I know he understands just how important trade and tourism are to the Western Australian economy, as I imagine you do too, Madam President. The Australian economic prosperity is directly linked to open and stable international markets. One in four Australian jobs is related to trade. Jobs in export industries pay five per cent more on average, and 27 per cent of Australia's economic output is supported by trade. Under the Albanese Labor government, Australia has been recording remarkable trade surpluses, which means exports are rising faster than imports. For example, in January 2024, the trade surplus on goods was $11 billion.

Government senators: How much?

It was $11 billion!

Opposition senators interjecting—