International Trade

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:41): My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. As this week marks further easing of COVID restrictions in South Australia and we are paving the way for COVID safe recovery, can the minister please provide an update to the council about how the Marshall Liberal government is reopening freight routes with global markets?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:41): I thank the honourable member for her question and, indeed, her ongoing interest in our trade routes and trading with other countries around the world. As members would know, at the end of last year South Australia was welcoming, on average, 47 international flights from nine airlines into Adelaide each week. In fact, over Christmas and Chinese New Year I think it went to just over 50.

Since that time, of course, South Australia and virtually every other jurisdiction across the world has put in place restrictions of movement in order to minimise the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This has had significant consequences for our exporters of high value and perishable goods that previously were able to take advantage of the numerous freight options from Adelaide and go direct into key markets around the world.

With a commitment to support our businesses in these difficult times, the Marshall Liberal government has stepped up to the plate. We have been working closely with the Morrison federal government to recommence flights out of Adelaide Airport and, as I have previously shared, an early success came through Singapore Airlines with the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), which has already flown four times since 6 May.

Flying again tomorrow, the Singapore flights carry up to 40 tonnes of high-value produce into Singapore and then on to key markets each week. The flights have been a big success—

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: —and the initiative has been extended for an additional six weeks.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I know the members opposite don't like to hear good news, but they will have to sit—

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, we have missed you, but not that much. Minister, continue.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Furthermore, Singapore Airlines announced yesterday evening that they will recommence one flight a week to Adelaide from next week, which will further bolster our inbound and outbound freight capacity.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: The Singapore government has given clearance for this additional flight to carry passengers, and the Changi Airport in Singapore has reopened for transit passengers with stringent measures as of today. I think it is fabulous that Singapore Airlines, as members opposite would know, has been our longest serving international airline carrier. In fact, it has been servicing South Australia since 1984, and they are the first international airline to come back into service to help us be stronger than before.

I can also share with the council that from next week we will see another long-term carrying partner, Cathay Pacific, flying freight again from Adelaide for an initial six-week period. Hong Kong is a key market for South Australia, for its seafood and other types of high-value produce, as well as a gateway into China, which is our largest trading partner.

This is yet another outcome of the Export Recovery Taskforce working with the IFAM initiative, and I would like to acknowledge the support from my federal colleague, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon. Simon Birmingham, and the federal government for their support. These developments are critical milestones in our return to the pre-COVID business conditions and the Marshall Liberal government will continue to seize the initiative in facilitating opportunities for our exporters to ensure that we come back stronger than before.