Trade minister says Coalition MPs walked out of meeting on EU trade deal – as it happened
News Source
•Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:01:02 GMT
📰 What Happened
Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, said Coalition MPs walked out of a meeting on a planned trade deal with the European Union. He made the remark during a busy sitting day in parliament.
The walkout came as talks over the EU trade deal carry on. The Nationals also brought pineapples into parliament. They wanted to warn that cheap imported fruit could hurt Australian growers.
🔍 The Backstory
Australia and the European Union have been negotiating a trade deal for years. Farm goods like beef, sugar and fruit are the hardest issues. Both sides want better access for their own producers.
Parliament was busy with other money news that day too. Labor introduced a new tax bill on family trusts. The Reserve Bank also warned staff their pay rise would not go ahead if they voted it down.
🎯 Why It Matters
Trade deals change the prices people pay for food and goods. They also affect jobs on farms and in factories across Australia.
Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, said Coalition MPs walked out of a meeting on a planned trade deal with the European Union. He made the remark during a busy sitting day in parliament.
The walkout came as talks over the EU trade deal carry on. The Nationals also brought pineapples into parliament. They wanted to warn that cheap imported fruit could hurt Australian growers.
Australia and the European Union have been negotiating a trade deal for years. Farm goods like beef, sugar and fruit are the hardest issues. Both sides want better access for their own producers.
Parliament was busy with other money news that day too. Labor introduced a new tax bill on family trusts. The Reserve Bank also warned staff their pay rise would not go ahead if they voted it down.
Trade deals change the prices people pay for food and goods. They also affect jobs on farms and in factories across Australia.