Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that 23 June marks the second anniversary of the historic vote by the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union;

(b) acknowledges that the vote was conducted democratically and reflects the will of voters on a critical question of national sovereignty; and

(c) calls upon the Australian Government to advance as quickly as possible trade negotiations with both the United Kingdom and the European Union to improve our exporters' access to both markets.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government moved swiftly after the Brexit referendum to establish the Australia-UK Trade Working Group to scope out a future deal with the United Kingdom once it has exited the European Union. We formally launched negotiations with the EU yesterday, with the first negotiating round to be held in July. The coalition government is pursuing Australia's most ambitious trade agenda. Our foresight to position Australia to secure further market opportunities with both the EU and the UK is a demonstration of our commitment to economic growth and jobs.

Question agreed to.