Senator Fawcett had also asked about progress and discussions enhancing Australian trade opportunities with Israel. I know there’s a lot going on there. I think someone from DFAT travelled on 31 July to Israel. Were there any updates on that meeting that you can provide?
Senator CADELL: Senator Fawcett had also asked about progress and discussions enhancing Australian trade opportunities with Israel. I know there’s a lot going on there. I think someone from DFAT travelled on 31 July to Israel. Were there any updates on that meeting that you can provide?
Senator Farrell: Obviously we have this terrible situation in Israel at the moment. I suspect a free trade agreement is the last thing that’s on the minds of the Israeli government.
Senator CADELL: But we did meet well before that, on 31 July.
Senator Farrell: I appreciate that. My recollection is that the Israelis had indicated that they weren’t quite ready to commence any discussions. I would be happy to engage in discussions with the Israelis about a free trade agreement, if that’s their wish. As I say, my recollection was, the last time I had a conversation about it—I’ve met with the Israeli ambassador quite a few times in the recent periods, and I’ve got to say that has not been the subject of our conversations.
Senator CADELL: I understand entirely.
Mr Kewalram : Just to add to your point about 31 July: there were senior official talks in Israel on 31 July covering a range of issues, including whether or not to move ahead on or contemplate an FTA. As the minister has said, there was not a sense that there was a desire to do so at the present time.
Senator CADELL: Thank you. Minister, earlier you raised that the world is in a place we haven’t seen since, potentially, the Cuban missile crisis.
Senator Farrell: Yes.