Australia and Indonesia sign historic free trade deal after months of uncertainty

Australia and Indonesia have signed a landmark free trade deal, but it still needs to run the gauntlet of federal parliament.

Australian PM Scott Morrison said the free trade deal elevates the bilateral relationship.

Source: AAP

A trade deal between Indonesia and Australia has been hailed as sending a timely signal to the world about the importance of free trade.

As the Indonesian and Australian trade ministers signed the agreement in Jakarta on Monday, Labor leader Bill Shorten promised to study the detail as his party weighed up whether to lend parliamentary support.

The opposition leader says Labor is "positively disposed" towards the trade pact, which must be ratified by parliament after its formal tabling and an inquiry by the treaties committee.

Both countries are in the world's top 20 economies but not each other's top 10 trading partners.

This is Indonesia's first major agreement of its type and will allow Australian-owned universities to operate in the country.

Australian frozen meats, live cattle, feed grains, dairy, citrus and steel will also receive favourable treatment.

 


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

By Frank Mtao

Presented by Frank Mtao




Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Swahili

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Swahili-speaking Australians.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service