5 years ago
GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT AUSTRALIAN CHEESEMAKERS
CATHERINE KING MP
Diversifying and growing Australian export markets across the world is vital for the economy, for jobs, and the prosperity of all Australians.
The proposed open and free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union is important to many Australian farmers, producers, workers and businesses.
But in negotiating the agreement, the Government must stand up for local dairy farmers and cheesemakers, many of whom are family businesses who have used traditional methods over decades to produce award winning cheese.
“I have been consulting with the diary industry and have visited Australian cheesemakers who are very concerned that they may not be able to use traditional names for cheese they have produced for many years and which now form part of Australia’s multicultural heritage,” said Madeleine King, Labor’s spokesperson for Trade.
The Government should not put the interests of one sector of Australian industry above another in negotiating trade agreements.
Labor again calls on the Government to undertake independent economic modelling of all proposed agreements so that all Australian industry can better understand the potential economic effects across the board.
Labor welcomes reports that the term ‘prosecco’ is not on the proposed EU geographic indicators list and that its use will not be restricted. However, Labor notes this is not yet finalised.
It is important that Australian wine producers are able to continue to use the term ‘prosecco’ for the wine many family run businesses have produced in Australia for decades.
Labor supports Australian producers and urges the Government to ensure the ongoing success of their industries in the ongoing negotiations of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The proposed open and free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union is important to many Australian farmers, producers, workers and businesses.
But in negotiating the agreement, the Government must stand up for local dairy farmers and cheesemakers, many of whom are family businesses who have used traditional methods over decades to produce award winning cheese.
“I have been consulting with the diary industry and have visited Australian cheesemakers who are very concerned that they may not be able to use traditional names for cheese they have produced for many years and which now form part of Australia’s multicultural heritage,” said Madeleine King, Labor’s spokesperson for Trade.
The Government should not put the interests of one sector of Australian industry above another in negotiating trade agreements.
Labor again calls on the Government to undertake independent economic modelling of all proposed agreements so that all Australian industry can better understand the potential economic effects across the board.
Labor welcomes reports that the term ‘prosecco’ is not on the proposed EU geographic indicators list and that its use will not be restricted. However, Labor notes this is not yet finalised.
It is important that Australian wine producers are able to continue to use the term ‘prosecco’ for the wine many family run businesses have produced in Australia for decades.
Labor supports Australian producers and urges the Government to ensure the ongoing success of their industries in the ongoing negotiations of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement.