After months of delays, the Albanese Labor Government has unveiled its Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement, raising serious concerns for the future ofAustralian businesses as the Government trades away the national interest for international approval.
The Albanese Labor Government’s newly announced Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement has raised serious concerns about Australia trading away key national interests for international approval.
Nationals Senator for New South Wales, Ross Cadell, said the deal continues a worrying pattern of governments prioritising global applause over Australia’s long-term strength.
“This deal is being dressed up as a win, but it comes at the cost of Australian farmers, industries and sovereignty,” Senator Cadell said. “At a time when we should be strengthening food, fuel and fibre security, Labor is once again giving ground on the fundamentals that keep this country strong.”
Senator Cadell said Australian producers were being directly impacted by concessions made in the deal. “Stripping Australian producers of the right to use common terms like ‘Prosecco’ for exports is not a technical detail – it’s a direct hit on farmers who have built their livelihoods around these products,” he said.
“At the same time, we are opening our markets while receiving limited and highly restricted access into Europe.”
“That’s not free trade – that’s a bad deal.”
“They’ll talk up 35,000 tonnes, but once you look at actual meat weight, Australian producers are left with closer to 27,000 tonnes of real new access – how can that be called a win.”
“In the middle of a fuel security crisis, Labor’s response is to negotiate away more of Australia’s ethanol supply by exporting 10,000 tonnes a year.”
Senator Cadell said the agreement reflects a broader trend in government decisionmaking. “We’ve seen it in energy policy, in water decisions, and now again in trade -governments chasing international approval while regional Australia pays the price,” he said.
“Australia cannot keep giving up ground while expecting our industries to stay competitive.”
Senator Cadell said the Government must refocus on strengthening domestic capability and backing Australian industries. “We should be backing Australian farmers, building supply chain security, and investing in the industries that keep this country running,” he said.
“It’s time to get back to basics and put Australia first.”
