China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (14:23): My question is to the Premier. Given the decision made by the ALP National Conference to oppose the China free trade agreement, is the Premier concerned about the prospect of his Labor government limiting South Australia's opportunities in our new Chinese markets?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:23): No, and I don't think that was the effect of the national conference resolution: it was to actually support the China free trade agreement. I think it raised questions about elements of it, and in particular the idea of foreign workers coming over here and working on Australian projects. That is, I think, frankly a concern all of us would share, and I think we would, as I said yesterday, be wanting to assert the very high standards that we have in relation to occupational licensing to ensure that such a thing was not used in a way which was improper.

We certainly support the agreement. We are very proud of our relationship with China. Indeed, we are proud of the fact that it is this government that has secured a consulate-general, which we will be setting up, from the Chinese government here in South Australia. That is a massive achievement for South Australia.

We also will have a high-level delegation coming to South Australia in September from the Shandong Province, which is another exciting opportunity for our state. We have established a very regular relationship in May of each year, where we move between each of our jurisdictions, and invite them back during our show period in August. So, the relationship is very strong and we are very much looking forward to inbound investment.

We resisted the move that occurred in other states to place a taxation arrangement in relation to overseas investors in our residential sector. We wanted to send a very clear message to Chinese investors that they are welcome here in South Australia. So, yes, the China free trade agreement is a massive opportunity for us, especially in our wine and food sector, where the possibilities it opens up are extraordinary. Indeed, I think when we were in China it was probably the first substantial delegation after the signing of that agreement and referred to it in very positive and constructive terms.