JOURNALIST:
Mr Costello, thank you very much for speaking to us. A few words, if you could, on the interaction between Australia, France and now the EU as it stands, the plans that you have for working with the EU?
TREASURER:
Well, we see the EU as a very important partner for us. In terms of trade, the EU as a bloc is a major investor, and a major destination for our exports, and a major source of imports. So this is a very important trading partner for us. We note that the EU is also going to expand, and will become a bigger economic entity. And we seek a good, open trading relationship with the EU, which we consider will bring benefits for both sides.
JOURNALIST:
Your approach to the situation in Iraq, what effect has that had on trade in the Asia Pacific region, trade with the US, and trade with the EU as well?
TREASURER:
Well, as you know, Australia committed forces to the coalition of the willing in Iraq. We thought that was important, that the democracies shoulder responsibility in relation to that regime and its potential for weapons of mass destruction. The war in Iraq probably had a dampening effect on growth generally. It will mean additional costs for the countries that are involved, and in an economic sense, it is probably a negative. But the good news is that the action has been successful. There will be a lot of work rebuilding in Iraq, and we look forward to assisting in that reconstruction phase, along with other countries involved.
JOURNALIST:
In your negotiations, though, and your talks about agricultural policy, particularly with the French, do you think our position on the war has influenced - I noticed you say you're not having any bilaterals here today with the French - has it influenced our relationship with the French at all?
TREASURER:
I think the French government knows the Australian government's view, which is that the common agricultural policy is not, obviously, in Australia's interests, but we would argue not in the interests of Europe. What it has done, is, it has protected many industries which are inefficient. Consumers could get the benefit of lower prices if the protection were ameliorated and removed. The money that is currently invested in inefficient production in France and Europe could be invested in more efficient production elsewhere, and that would produce an overall economic benefit - not just to Australia, but to the EU generally. We would also make the point that, from the point of view of the developing world, access to developed countries in relation to agriculture is very important for them. And, if you like, there is a humanitarian angle to this as well. That is our position. We will be arguing that position in the OECD Forum, we will be arguing that position in the WTO forums, and we will be making that point to all of our interlocutors.
JOURNALIST:
But will our arguments fall on deaf ears because of our stance on the war?
TREASURER:
Oh no, I do not think the war influences these things one way or the other. I think the trade issues stand and fall on their own merits.
JOURNALIST:
But you don't think that the split over Iraq could contribute to a negative climate at the upcoming talks in Cancun?
TREASURER:
I do not see why they should. The upcoming talks are about trade issues. They stand and fall on their own merits, just as the argument in relation to Iraq stands and falls on its own merits.
JOURNALIST:
You were talking about how the Australian economy is strongly linked to the rest of Asia. Do you think there will be any negative fallout from SARS, when you're talking about risks like terrorism but that seems to be an important factor affecting tourism and other industries at the moment?
TREASURER:
Well, SARS undoubtedly will have an effect on tourist trade in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and China. It probably has had an effect on the tourist trade in Australia with numbers of tourists down. But there has been no death in Australia. There have been some cases where people have been put under observation. So far we have managed to quarantine Australia very successfully. Conversely, it may mean that Australians who would otherwise have travelled to Asia, spend their tourist dollar at home. But I cannot pretend that SARS is good for anybody. It is a terrible worry for the countries concerned, it is bad for tourism, and it will affect the economies of those countries most directly affected, I would think.
JOURNALIST:
Continuing agricultural questions, do you think that the dialogue is still possible and really possible between the European and Cairns Group?
TREASURER:
Well, we want to continue to engage in that dialogue, and we will argue our case. And our case is essentially this. It is, of course, it is in the interests of efficient agricultural producers to have trade liberalisation. But we would argue it is also in the interests of those countries that currently have protected or subsidised industries. That they can save themselves a lot of subsidies, their consumers can get access to cheaper prices, and their economy will benefit if the money is invested in efficient enterprises, rather than inefficient ones. That is our case, that is the dialogue that we will be having. We will try and explain our position to France.
JOURNALIST:
Which part will play Australia in nation building of Iraq?
TREASURER:
Well, Australia is going to help in reconstruction with aid, which we have already announced. We have made personnel available. We, for example, are providing air services, flight controllers to help re-establish the aviation links. We still have numbers of military personnel which are helping in relation to security. And we will be offering assistance in specialised areas where Australia has international skill.
JOURNALIST:
Which kind of areas?
TREASURER:
Well, we have got areas in relation to, areas like agriculture and other areas where we have international skill.
JOURNALIST:
Have you an idea of the cost of the Australian government of the war, of the Australian contribution to the war?
TREASURER:
Of the military contribution?
JOURNALIST:
And maybe the national rebuilding?
TREASURER:
Well, look, I have previously said that the cost of Australia's engagement is hundreds of millions of dollars, but I am not going any further and being any more specific than that.
Okay. Thank you.