Albanese Government Under Fire Over EU Trade Deal Impact on Farmers
THE Federal Government is facing strong criticism from opposition figures and agricultural leaders following the announcement of an Australia–European Union free trade agreement, with concerns the deal falls short for local producers.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Darren Chester has questioned the strength of the agreement, claiming the government failed to secure a fair outcome for the nation’s farming sector.
Speaking in Federal Parliament, he said Agriculture Minister Julie Collins did not clearly state whether the deal was beneficial for Australian farmers.
Mr Chester said feedback from industry groups suggested widespread dissatisfaction, describing the agreement as an “extremely poor outcome” for many producers.
He argued that free trade deals should deliver genuine commercial opportunities, particularly for farmers operating without the support of subsidies.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture Sam Birrell also raised concerns, warning the agreement could disadvantage key sectors, including dairy and wine. He said provisions around geographic indications—rules governing the use of certain product names—would restrict Australian producers while allowing increased access for European imports.
Mr Birrell noted that dairy farmers could be particularly affected, with limits on the use of names such as feta, gruyere and romano, alongside reduced tariffs on European cheese entering Australia.
He also highlighted the phased removal of the term “Prosecco” for exports over the next decade, which he said would impose transition costs on local winemakers.
The Coalition has pointed to its past trade record, arguing previous agreements delivered stronger outcomes for exporters.
Mr Chester said his party supports trade deals that expand markets and create jobs, but not at the expense of Australian producers.
Industry leaders have echoed many of these concerns.
Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking described the outcome as disappointing, suggesting farmers would have been better off without a deal.
National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre said producers were frustrated by the lack of meaningful market access gains, warning the impacts could be felt for decades.
Cattle Australia Chair Garry Edwards criticised the negotiations, while Andrew McDonald, Chair of the Australia–EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce, said the red meat sector had been “profoundly let down” by the outcome.
Australian Dairy Industry Council Chair Ben Bennett also raised concerns about the balance of the agreement, pointing to increased access for subsidised European dairy products without equivalent opportunities for Australian exports.
The Federal Government has maintained that the agreement represents an important step in strengthening trade ties with Europe, though debate over its impact on agriculture is expected to continue.
