Approach to Australia’s trade negotiations inquiry heads to Melbourne

Issue date: Thursday, 2 November 2023

House of Representatives media release header

The Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth will hold a public hearing in Melbourne on Friday, 3 November for its inquiry into the Australian Government's approach to negotiating trade and investment agreements. The Committee will hear from stakeholders including unions, the red meat industry, business associations and the Productivity Commission.

This builds on the hearings recently held in Canberra with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, agriculture peak bodies, animal welfare organisations, cultural industries representatives, and academics amongst others.

The inquiry is focussing on how the Australian Government develops a negotiating mandate and framework that reflects whole of government priorities, as well as priorities for State and Territory Governments, businesses and workers, including processes for consultation. It is also considering how to ensure agreements advance Australia’s national and cultural interests, and that First Nations Australians can participate and benefit in trade.

Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas MP said: ‘The Committee has received a high number of quality submissions to the inquiry and is looking forward to hearing further from key stakeholders to understand how the approach taken to negotiating trade and investment agreements could be improved to ensure these agreements are of greatest benefit to the Australian community.’

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, are available on the inquiry webpage.