London Calling for Peninsula Business
This week Committee for Mornington Peninsula facilitated a discussion and briefing from the UK Consul-General Steph Lysaght.
Committee members, local businesses and local stakeholders were briefed on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the UK and what benefits that means for our region; including visas, jobs, and the removal of trade barriers.
The Committee was pleased to be joined by the Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie; the Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio; the Member for Nepean, Sam Groth; Councillor Antonella Celi; and Roger Lancia and Angela Cleland from Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism throughout the course of the day.
The exporting opportunities for Peninsula brewers, wineries, and distillers has grown over recent years and is expected to grow further following the implementation of the FTA. There is also an enormous opportunity to work with the Victorian Government and help get British workers here to Victoria, and particularly regions suffering from chronic staff shortages.
Committee for Mornington Peninsula CEO, Josh Sinclair, said the event with the UK Consulate was informative for local business, and a great opportunity for the Committee to showcase our region to the UK.
"While the UK is half a world away, the trade opportunities for our region are now tangible."
"The FTA between the UK and Australia will see greater people movement and an ease in conditions placed on visas - meaning more workers to fill our staff shortages in our local restaurants, wineries and hotels."
"Similarly, the export opportunities for our home grown beer, wine and distilled spirits are endless - with essentially tariff-free trade between the two countries opening up new markets to local business here on the Mornington Peninsula. The demand for Australian wine, beer, spirits, and low alcohol products in the UK is growing, and our region has an enormous opportunity to benefit from that."
"I want to thank the UK Consul General, Steph Lysaght, for being so generous with his time this week. It was a really valuable event for industry on the Peninsula."
The AU-UK FTA will be vital for our region. It will see an increase in trade in goods and services, and more skilled workers making their way to the Mornington Peninsula.
Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, advised local business that now was the time for them to make the most of this agreement, not when it comes into operation. This is especially the case when it comes to recruitment opportunities.
The Committee would like to place on record its thanks to the UK Consulate for briefing our members and stakeholders for this wonderful and informative event.
We'd also like to thank Point Leo Estate and Smart Business Solutions for hosting our discussions, and the many local businesses and producers for attending this week.
UK Consulate Briefing: UK Consul-General Steph Lysaght briefs the Committee for Mornington Peninsula on the benefits of the UK and Australia Free Trade Agreement for our region.
