Coalition split threatens Australia's EU trade deal in Senate
The government signed the EU free-trade deal but needs nine extra Senate votes to pass it into law.
Australia and the European Union agreed on a free-trade agreement in March after nearly eight years of negotiation. The agreement abolishes almost all tariffs and covers 98% of Australian goods exports.
The government signed it, but federal parliament must pass the laws to make it happen. In the lower house, passage is certain.
In the Senate, Labor holds 30 of 76 seats and needs nine more votes. The Coalition's 27 senators hold the balance, but they are split.
The Nationals want more for beef, lamb and dairy farmers. The Liberals see broader opportunities, especially in critical minerals.
Europe wants Australian minerals like rare earths for batteries and wind turbines. The EU will not renegotiate; once talks close, they stay closed.
If ratification fails now, political turmoil in Europe next year will make a future deal much harder.
- March
- Agreement date
- 98% of Australian goods exports
- Coverage
- 9 extra votes
- Senate votes needed
- 27 of 76
- Coalition seats
Why it mattersAustralia needs more trade partners as US tariffs climb and China uses economic pressure. The EU market of about 450 million people and European investment could strengthen Australian mining and manufacturing.
AustraliaFailure to ratify would close off EU investment in Australian critical minerals projects and leave Australia more exposed to US and Chinese economic pressure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
