AUSTRALIA signed its agricultural free trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Friday, and Member for Mallee Anne Webster has said it will result in benefits across the region.
The agreement will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of Australian agricultural exports.
“On day one of the agreement’s entry into force, tariffs on 99 per cent of Australian goods entering the UK will be eliminated, fast tracking new export opportunities and jobs in Mallee,” Dr Webster said.
“All tariffs on British imports will be phased out within five years, saving Australian households and businesses up to $200 million every year.
“Our steak, lamb chops, rice, wine and dairy products will all have immediately improved access to the UK market at lower or zero duties – and that’s wonderful for our agriculture sector in Mallee.”
Dr Webster said Australians would also benefit from visa changes as part of the deal.
“Within two years of entry into force of the agreement, Australian Working Holiday Visa makers will have expanded rights and will be able to stay in the UK for up to three years with an increased cut off age of 35.
“Australian professionals will have the same access to the UK’s lucrative market as their European competitors, except from the Republic of Ireland.
“This means Australians can compete on an equal footing as Europeans which has not been possible for the past 40 years.”
Australian suppliers of all sizes, including small and medium businesses, would also have guaranteed right to bid for a greater variety of UK government contracts, estimated to be worth half-a-trillion dollars annually, Dr Webster said.
For more information on the A-UKFTA, including the official text of the agreement, visit: dfat.gov.au/aukfta
