Ministerial Advisory Council on FTA Negotiations
The Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) is an important part of the Australian Government's commitment to enhance transparency around the negotiation of free trade agreements (FTAs).
The Council will provide a forum through which members can exchange views and engage in frank and robust discussion with the Government and senior trade experts on FTAs and the policies that underpin them. The views from the MAC will help inform the Government's trade negotiating agenda.
MAC membership is drawn from a wide cross-section of Australian society, including business and community-based organisations. Individual members are leaders in their fields with an interest in international trade policy.
The MAC is chaired by the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. The Hon Dr David Gillespie, Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Regional Health, is also a Member of the MAC. The MAC has an Industry Co-Chair, who is rotated on an annual basis. Ms Christine Holgate, accepted former Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Birmingham's invitation to be the inaugural Industry Co-Chair.
Meeting summaries
Summaries of MAC meeting discussions will be available on this site after each meeting.
- Fourth meeting of the MAC – 26 March 2021
- Third meeting of the MAC – 25 November 2020
- Second meeting of the MAC – 12 August 2020
- Inaugural meeting of the MAC – 9 July 2020
Council membership
| Name | Title, Organisation |
|---|---|
| The Hon Dan Tehan MP | Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment |
| The Dr David Gillespie MP | Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Regional Health |
| Mr Tony Battaglene | Chief Executive, Australian Grape and Wine |
| Ms Laura Berry | Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation |
| Mr James Bond | President, Australian Services Roundtable |
| Mr Gerard Brody | Chair, Consumers' Federation of Australia |
| Ms Kate Carnell, AO | Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman |
| Ms Tania Constable, PSM | Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Council of Australia |
| Prof. Andrew Conway FIPA FFA | Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Accountants |
| Ms Bridget Fair, GAICD | Chief Executive Officer, Free TV Australia |
| Mr Scott Farrell | Partner, King & Wood Mallesons |
| Mr Kevin Gallagher | Chair, Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association |
| Ms Christine Holgate | Industry Co-Chair |
| Ms Veronica Papacosta | Chief Executive Officer, Seafood Industry Australia |
| Mrs Fiona Simson | President, National Farmers Federation |
| Mr Andrew Stoler | International Trade Consultant |
| Mr Jason Strong | Managing Director, Meat and Livestock Australia |
| Ms Jacqui Walshe BBS, MBA, GAICD | Australian Tourism Export Council |
| Mr Dan Walton | National Secretary, The Australian Workers' Union |
| Professor Paul Wellings, CBE | Vice Chancellor, University of Wollongong |
Contact us
Address
MAC Secretariat
RG Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
BARTON ACT 0221 Australia