The Liberal-National Government has launched a new educational tool to teach school students about the role and significance trade plays in driving Australia’s economy and building strong relationships with our regional trading partners.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the Australia’s Trade Through Time website will be a vital tool for students and the Australian public to explore and understand the significant events that have shaped our nation’s trading history.
“It was great to launch this website as part of a Asia Education Foundation Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum at Glenunga International High School, where students are learning to navigate the often complex trade issues in the ASEAN region.
‘These two resources, the Forum and the Website, are practical ways students can appreciate the importance of open trade to the Australian economy, and our responsibilities within the region as a major trading partner.
“Huge progress has been made in terms of strengthening Australia’s position in the ASEAN. Less than two weeks ago, our Government signed a landmark trade agreement with the Indonesia – the Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) – which marks a new chapter in Australia’s partnership with one of our closest friends and neighbors.
“The link between trade and Australia’s economic prosperity has never been closer and it is agreements such as these that build on the historical events that have paved the way for Australia’s positive trajectory in the global trading environment.
“Through this website students will learn about the early influence of trade on important elements of Australian history such as Federation, where the push to remove customs duties on goods traded between the six colonies became the lever to Federation.
“The website’s interactive timeline also allows users to discover how exports, imports and trading partners have all played a role in developing our nation.
“I encourage everyone to explore this engaging website, and discover how Australia has advanced by opening its economy and trading with the world.”
To access Australia’s Trade Through Time go to: www.tradethroughtime.gov.au
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325
Kathryn McFarlane: +61 419 850 201