Trade Minister Don Farrell will issue a call to arms to farmers and industry over populism derailing a $10bn EU free trade deal, in a major speech to national business leaders in Adelaide.
Warning the deal’s passage through federal parliament is “not guaranteed”, Senator Farrell is expected to accuse Coalition figures, including controversial SA Liberal Alex Antic, of trying to mimic Pauline Hanson by opposing the deal.
Senator Farrell will fire a warning shot at critics of the trade deal, forged in March over a glass of Clare Valley cabernet, warning them against undermining a bipartisan approach to trade that has underpinned the nation’s economy for decades.
In a speech to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s general council meeting in Adelaide on Wednesday, Senator Farrell will appeal to businesses, industry, farmers and producers to resist populism and protectionism.
“In recent weeks, as politics in our country has shifted to entertain and reward populism, some in our parliament have been tempted to signal that they will oppose this agreement – choosing to chase headlines rather than practical outcomes,” Senator Farrell is expected to say.
“Sadly, some of those who are indicating that they will try to block this agreement, are the same members and senators who claim to represent the hardworking businesses in this very room.
“ … I want to make this clear – there is no second chance with the EU if we choose to walk away from this deal. To those that seek to block this agreement – the question will come, now or later, why did you sacrifice gains for Australian exporters, Australian businesses, and Australian jobs – just to chase a headline or a vote?”
Nationals leader Matt Canavan in March lashed the “worst trade deal ever”, saying it did “not advance the ball for Australia’s farmers”, particularly beef producers.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor in May rejected growing global protectionism, saying “we need a freer economy so people can get ahead in their careers, in their businesses, in their lives”.
Senator Farrell will urge business leaders to lobby federal politicians to support the EU deal, saying Australia should back businesses “to make sure the benefits of trade and tourism are felt by workers, families and communities right across Australia”.
“Now is the time for a unified Australia-first approach to free trade, not for dragging us back decades down the path of protectionism and isolation,” he is expected to say.
The landmark EU deal has been touted as a boon for copper and wine exports, unlocking a market of 450m people with a $31 trillion gross domestic product.
European wine, chocolate, pasta and electric vehicles are set to become cheaper under the deal. Tariffs will be eliminated on goods including wind turbines, lithium batteries and solar panel components as part of implementing obligations under the Paris Agreement on climate change – introduced for the first time in a free-trade agreement.