Key facts
- Malcolm Turnbull urged the Liberal party to support the Australia-EU free trade agreement.
- The deal is calculated to boost the Australian economy by A$10 billion annually.
- Nationals leader Matt Canavan opposes the deal, citing climate obligations.
- Australian businesses are calling for the Coalition to support the deal.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has urged his party to support the Australia-EU free trade agreement, as the Nationals push their Coalition partners to block it in parliament. Trade Minister Don Farrell stated the deal, which has been in negotiations for nearly eight years, cannot be improved and is calculated to boost the economy by A$10 billion annually. Nationals leader Matt Canavan declared both Coalition parties oppose the deal, citing concerns over climate obligations embedded in the agreement. This stance has divided the Liberals, with moderates favoring the deal and conservatives aligning with the Nationals. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson clarified that the Coalition has not yet finalized its position, while business groups are urging support for the agreement.