Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:56): I thank Senator Sterle for his question. I know he understands just how important trade and tourism are to the Western Australian economy, as I imagine you do too, Madam President. The Australian economic prosperity is directly linked to open and stable international markets. One in four Australian jobs is related to trade. Jobs in export industries pay five per cent more on average, and 27 per cent of Australia's economic output is supported by trade. Under the Albanese Labor government, Australia has been recording remarkable trade surpluses, which means exports are rising faster than imports. For example, in January 2024, the trade surplus on goods was $11 billion. Government senators: How much? Senator FARRELL: It was $11 billion! Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator FARRELL: In particular, exports from Senator Sterle's great state of Western Australia have benefited significantly from this government's steady hand on the trade tiller. The government is actively progressing a forward-leaning trade agenda by bringing priority agreements into force— Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, please resume your seat. Seriously, Senator McKenzie. This is the chamber; we're not at a football match. Minister Farrell, please continue. Senator FARRELL: Thank you for that protection, President. The government is actively progressing a forward-leaning trade agenda by bringing priority agreements into force and progressing ongoing negotiations. The government is working hard to stabilise our trade relationship with China. Trade diversification is a central plank of the government's trade policy strategy. We need to deepen and diversify our trading relationship, particularly in our own region. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister hosted a special summit to celebrate 50 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It's an important event which enabled discussions on ways of deepening engagement in the region— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Sterle, first supplementary?