Export Economy

Mr BROWN (Florey) (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Can the minister update the house on any measures taken by the Malinauskas government to assist our exporters to diversify?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (15:07): I thank the member for his question, the Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy. It is a very important question because trade matters to South Australia. We are a trading state and the products that we trade here in South Australia, the brands that are attached to that trading, have become icons of our state, whether it be from Penfolds to R.M. Williams to Haighs to bluefin tuna and the wonderful premium grains that are grown across the four corners of our state. That's what drives our economy, and also the recognition of South Australia's efforts in becoming a national leader in renewable energy in our national beautiful economy.

The reason that trade matters is that 100,000 South Australians are employed thanks to trade. We know that the jobs that are attached to trade pay better, they are more secure and the businesses that make merchandise or the farms that grow products or primary products that are exported are more resilient. Of course, we saw that through COVID. The supply chains are still reforming and realigning post the COVID pandemic. Australia has been tariffed by China. Now, its close ally in the US has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium. By tomorrow, President Trump is anticipated to make further announcements on trade, which will again, likely, disrupt the established order.

We are in good hands in the commonwealth, in that the Albanese Labor government has a demonstrated track record of working to reduce tariffs on our country. Our state has never seen a more productive relationship with the commonwealth government as we do now.

Our diversification efforts continue, particularly in the climate that is impacting North America. Today I can inform the house that a significant market response has been launched in Canada, thanks to a partnership with one of the world's largest retailers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages. Fourteen South Australian wine brands—I know some in your wonderful electorate of Mawson—will be showcased this month in a series of pop-up shop activations in the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

The LCBO is a government-run enterprise responsible for the wholesale and retail sale of wine, beer, cider and spirits in the province. I am sure a provincial minister who would be very keen to oversee the LCBO is that minister. With more than 680 retail stores and importing over 32,000 products from over 79 countries, the LCBO is one of the largest retailers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages anywhere in the world.

The partnership, supported by the Department of State Development, will feature 15 in-store tastings over four weeks to drive sales, tastings and awareness for South Australia's premium wine in a time when tariffs are re-emerging. Participating SA brands include Chalk Hill, Dandelion, Mitolo, Two Hands, Taylors, Angove, Yalumba, Bec Hardy Wines, Monterra, Penfolds, Thorn-Clarke, Zonte's Footstep, Kilikanoon and Small Gully. As Canada's most populous province, Ontario is a key market for South Australian wine products. As Canada and the US go tariff for tariff, South Australia will continue to ensure that we are on the front foot and putting South Australian jobs first.

The SPEAKER: The member just asked if I had been to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Of course I have. I met with George Soleas there two years ago. We paved the way for all this extra wine. A big shout-out to George and all my friends in Toronto. I hope to get back there soon.