BoJo tells ScoMo, cut tariffs for cheap TimTams
Historic trade talks have begun between Australia and the UK. But the British PM Boris “BoJo” Johnson isn’t excited about jobs, Aussie beef or wine. It’s one iconic Aussie treat he’s singled out.
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INTERNATIONAL flights are not opening back up for Aussies any time soon but states opening their borders will get overseas holidays happening faster, Trade and Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has flagged.
It comes as Australia and New Zealand entered into historic free trade talks yesterday, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joking he looks forward to buying cheaper TimTams.
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Senator Birmingham told the National Press Club today that keeping international borders shut for now was “the price we have to pay” for keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
“That means international border restrictions are likely to be there for some time to come. We will progressively and carefully step through what we can do to reopen,” he said.
But he warned there was one key step that could be taken to see those international borders opened up faster with some key COVID-safe countries like New Zealand.
“I hope we can see that advance and it will happen faster if Australian states open up to each other faster as well,” Senator Birmingham said.
Meanwhile, he said Brexit provided the massive opportunity for the Aussies to get back in with the Poms, after falling casualty to European Union trade tariffs since the 1970s.
Queensland already exports $28 million worth or beef and $12.5 million of vegetables to the UK, but these could soar if prohibitive tariffs are dropped.
Coal is not subject to tariffs with the UK.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson flagged what he wanted to see out of the trade deal, saying he wanted reduced tariffs on “those wonderful Arnott’s TimTams”.
“How long can the British people be deprived of Arnott’s TimTams at a reasonable price,” he said.
There is a push to get a free trade deal in place late this year or early next year, as global tariffs which could hurt Australian agriculture will otherwise come into force from January 1.