The Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has launched an inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of the benefits available to Australian industry and communities under free trade agreements.

Media release issue date: Friday, 17 May 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has launched an inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of the benefits available to Australian industry and communities under free trade agreements. The inquiry will focus on the level of awareness and uptake of the benefits available under Australia’s free trade agreements, including the promotion of the benefits of trade, the difficulties faced in accessing the benefits of trade agreements, and how the utilisation of trade agreements is measured. It will also examine the extent to which regional, diaspora and First Nations communities take advantage of trade opportunities, including through free trade agreements, and how these communities can be better engaged to build Australia’s trade. Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas MP, said “International trade offers significant economic and social benefits to Australian industry and communities. The Committee wants to hear from the exporters, small business, peak bodies, industry associations, and diaspora and First Nations communities to better understand if the benefits offered by participation in international trade are being maximised and how the utilisation of Australia’s free trade agreements could be improved.” The Committee is seeking submissions from interested parties on the inquiry’s terms of reference by Friday, 21 June 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry webpage.   Media inquiries Office of Mr Steve Georganas MP 0437 387 378 Steve.Georganas.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth (02) 6277 2233 jsctig@aph.gov.au