Public hearings begin for parliamentary inquiry into utilising Free Trade Agreements

THE Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday for its inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The committee will hear from Australian Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Austrade, about the government’s role in supporting Australian businesses to enjoy the economic benefits of Australia’s FTAs.

The inquiry is focusing on the level of awareness and uptake of the benefits available under Australia’s FTAs, 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.

The inquiry is also examining the extent to which regional, diaspora and First Nations communities take advantage of trade opportunities, including through FTAs, and how these communities can be better engaged to build Australia’s trade.

Committee Chair, Steve Georganas MP said, "The committee is looking forward to hearing from government departments and agencies to understand how Australia’s trade and investment activities, including FTAs, can be utilised more effectively 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.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 23 August 2024
Time: 9am to 12.40pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive.

The Committee intends to hold more public hearings in due course.

 

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