Stakeholders to give evidence on UK-Australia free trade agreement

The session will focus on concerns of UK farmers, automotive and legal services trade and government engagement.  

The session will take place on Thursday 27 January at 11.00 AM and can be followed on Parliament TV. 

Giving evidence will be: 

• Nick von Westenholz, Director of Trade and Business Strategy, National Farmers’ Union (NFU)  
• Beatrice Morrice, Political Affairs Manager, NFU Scotland  
• Alessandro Marongiu, Senior Trade Policy Manager, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
• Penelope Nevill, Vice-Chair, International Trade Working Group, The Bar Council 

Questions the committee is likely to ask include: 

• Does the gradual elimination of tariffs on Australian agricultural imports over the first ten years of the agreement address the concerns of UK farmers? 
• The Government estimates that UK automakers will be one of the biggest winners of this trade deal. Do you expect the agreement to significantly increase UK car exports to Australia? How significant will be the continued application of a luxury car tax by Australia? 
• How well does the agreement address regulatory barriers to trade in cars and car parts? 
• The agreement establishes a Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue. How will this operate in practice and what outcomes would you like the Dialogue to achieve? 
• Are there any areas where the agreement could have gone further to provide even greater benefits for legal services sector, or for the professional services sectors more generally?  
• How would you rate the Government’s engagement during these negotiations? Has it adequately communicated progress and sought the views of stakeholders?