Public Hearings on Africa Trade Relations
The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade plans to hold public hearings in Melbourne and Sydney. These hearings aim to explore ways to strengthen Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.
Scheduled for 29th April in Melbourne and 30th April in Sydney, the hearings include discussions with a diverse range of organisations and individuals from business, media, logistics, and community groups.
Subcommittee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, said, “These hearings will allow the Subcommittee to engage directly with organisations and individuals based in Victoria and New South Wales and hear unique and important insights into how Australia can strengthen its trade and investment relations with Africa.”
Melbourne Hearing Details
In Melbourne, the Subcommittee will meet with representatives from the Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Industry Group, and other key organisations. The hearing will take place at the Parliament of Victoria, Hearing Room 3 Davui, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on 29th April.
Participants will include Mr Gebreselasie Gebru, the Australia Zimbabwe Business Council, and Ms Bronwen Halfpenny MP, Member for Thomastown. Emerging Brand Africa and Africa Media Australia will contribute to the discussions.
Mrs Phillips explained that the evidence gathered will help identify opportunities and barriers to Australia’s trade with African nations and inform recommendations to the government.
Sydney Hearing Details
In Sydney, the hearing will be held at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Meeting Room 1, from 9:00 am to 11:35 am on 30th April. Key participants include Vitti Capital, the African Advocacy Centre, and the Export Council of Australia.
The hearings will also feature contributions from the African Professionals of Australia and the Kenya Community NSW, among others. These discussions will provide insights into the changing demographic and economic opportunities across Africa’s diverse markets.
According to Mrs Phillips, the discussions will focus on both opportunities and challenges in strengthening trade ties between Australia and Africa. This will include exploring logistics, community engagement, and emerging market trends.
Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website, and the hearings will be broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.
The Subcommittee aims to gather comprehensive evidence that will shape future trade policies and partnerships with African nations. Mrs Phillips highlighted that these engagements are crucial for identifying potential growth areas and addressing existing challenges.
