A federal Liberal backbencher says it’s sad her government didn’t get a better deal for Australia’s dairy industry in recent free trade agreements with Japan and Korea.
The dairy industry has been highly critical of the agreements, and is pushing for a better deal for Australian dairy producers in future negotiations.
Dr Sharman Stone, Member for the Victorian seat of Murray, which includes dairy farming regions, says she’s told Trade Minister Andrew Robb what would be seen as acceptable for the dairy industry in any upcoming China agreement.
«I’ve already been saying to him, have a very good, close look at what best deals are already on the table,» Dr Stone said.
«When it comes to dairy, look at the Fonterra or New Zealand (deal with China). (We) can’t settle for anything less and lets improve on that.»
«Lets not do the deal and then have a fluffy press release which says it’s all good. No.»
«Lets make it really an extraordinary deal for dairy,» Dr Stone said.
Source: ABC
