Australia, UK race to finalise free trade deal in next 10 days

Australia and Britain are in a sprint to finalise a trade deal – and visa changes to allow easier movement between the two countries are on the agenda.

Visa changes to make it easier for Australians and Britons to move between the two countries are being finalised before a post-Brexit free trade deal is unveiled in two weeks.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan and British Trade Secretary Liz Truss are in a sprint to iron-out the details in the next 10 days before Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson announce the deal on the sidelines of the G7.

“There are issues we continue to discuss around mobility, how we can get more ability for Brits and Australians to move between two countries,” Mr Tehan told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.

Under existing rules, Australians aged 18 to 30 can only live and work in the UK for up to two years, while Britons aged under 30 can stay in Australia for up to three years if they do six months of “specified” regional work.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan with a teapot he was given by the UK Trade Minister Elizabeth Truss. Picture: Gary Ramage

There have also been talks around greater recognition of professional qualifications, which would enable easier movement between the two countries for professionals such as lawyers or accountants.

Mr Tehan confirmed talks were ongoing around zero-tariff access to the UK market for Australian beef and lamb, amid pushback from British farmers.

“There is a lot of fine detail that has to be worked through when it comes to these agreements,” he said.

Market access for business investment and services was also being finalised.

Mr Tehan spoke to Ms Truss on Friday and will speak to her again on Tuesday, after visiting the UK in April for trade negotiations.

He said it would be a “very busy week” as they sought to finalise a “win-win” arrangement for both countries.