Liberals reject Nationals' claim that Coalition opposes EU trade deal
Nationals leader Matt Canavan claims both parties oppose the EU deal, but Liberals say the matter is unsettled and some support ratification.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan declared in an opinion piece that the Coalition is united against the proposed Australia-EU trade deal, claiming it would weaken climate sovereignty and harm steel and farming sectors.
Liberal senators quickly contradicted him, telling the ABC the deal is better than the status quo and should pass for its diplomatic importance to Australia. Senior Liberals said shadow cabinet has never formally considered the deal and no party-room discussion has occurred; Canavan's op-ed appeared designed to push them into a position before parliamentary scrutiny.
Some Liberals believe renegotiation might still be possible, though Trade Minister Don Farrell has said the deal is done and Europe has no appetite to revisit it. A joint parliamentary committee will scrutinise the deal early next year.
The deal broadens access to the European market for Australian beef and sheep meat exporters, and also secures access for fruit, vegetables and seafood.
- Matt Canavan
- Nationals leader
- Don Farrell
- Trade Minister
- Early next year
- Committee timing
Why it mattersThe government lacks Senate numbers to pass the deal alone; Coalition support is crucial. A split vote could kill a major trade agreement or force cross-floor votes.
AustraliaAustralian food exporters stand to gain significantly from expanded EU market access if the deal passes, but only if enough senators vote for ratification.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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