PM pushes for deal on sugar

MARCH 2, 2015: PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has today assured cane farmers that sugar is still on the table for Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations.The PM made the position clear during Question Time today.[box style="1 or 2"]“My intention is to try to ensure that through ongoing free trade negotiations, including the Trans Pacific Partnership, that we do a better deal for the sugar producers of Australia,” the Prime Minister said.“We are determined to ensure that we get the best possible deal for the sugar producers of Australia, particularly the sugar producers of Queensland.”[/box] These comments are a clear indication that the Liberal National Government is still going in to bat for the sugar industry.We have delivered free trade agreements with Korea, Japan, and China since coming to office, but we've had mixed results for sugar.It is one of the most difficult commodities when it comes to negotiating free trade deals so it is encouraging to see the Prime Minister is going in to bat for the cane farmers of North Queensland.The full outcome won’t be known until the final Trans Pacific Partnership deal is signed, as negotiations are continuing on a range of fronts.Growers can rest assured that sugar is definitely on the table.