Senate debates

Thursday, 3 December 2020

Documents

Trade with China; Order for the Production of Documents

12:20 pm

Photo of Rex PatrickRex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(a) the Senate notes that:

(i) the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) entered into force on 20 December 2015, and

(ii) the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is undertaking a post-implementation review within 5 years of implementation;

(b) there be laid on the table by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, by no later than 5 pm on 8 December 2020, a statement explaining the Government's assessment of:

(i) China's compliance with the letter and spirit of ChAFTA,

(ii) the extent and consequences of Australian economic dependence on the Chinese market, and

(iii) the wider economic, strategic and diplomatic context of Australia's trade relations with China; and

(c) at 9.30 am on 9 December 2020, before government business is called on

(i) the Senate requires the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment to provide an explanation of the Government's statement referred to in paragraph (b), and

(ii) a senator may, at the conclusion of the explanation, move without notice that the Senate take note of the explanation.

Photo of Jonathon DuniamJonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—I move the following amendment to the motion:

At the end of the motion, add "for up to 30 minutes".

Question agreed to.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question now is that the motion moved by Senator Patrick, as amended, be agreed to.

Question agreed to.