Byron Cooke: We are joined by a special guest. If there was a record for how far you've travelled to get to the Byron Cooke Show studio, this next guest may have won it. We'd have to measure it for kilometres, but it was a long trip for the Australian Senator, the Honourable Don Farrell. He is the Minister of Trade and Tourism. He's the Special Minister of State, and he's come all the way from Australia to Riyadh. Welcome to the Byron Cooke Show, Don.
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell: Great to be with you, Byron.
Byron Cooke: It's a long trip, isn't it?
Minister Farrell: Look, when you travel as much as I do, you don't even think about it anymore. I'm one of those lucky people who can sleep just about anywhere. And so, generally, before the plane has taken off, I've fallen asleep. So, it's just fabulous to be here in Riyadh today.
Byron Cooke: Yeah, and that's an art form, by the way. Well done on that. Being able to sleep on a plane is an outstanding skill, especially when you're the Minister for Trade and Tourism. Now, this is a very obvious question to ask a Trade Minister, but I think it's an important one when it comes to Saudi Arabia and Australia. What are the two countries actually trading?
Minister Farrell: Well, we do a lot of trade together, something like $2.7 billion worth of trade. We supply a lot of food to Saudi. And one of the reasons I'm here is to see if we can do a lot more trade. The world's a little bit uncertain at the moment, and there are countries that believe in free and fair trade. Australia is one of those. Saudi is very much in the same mould. So, my job here over the next 24 hours is to ensure that we do a lot more trade between our two countries.
Byron Cooke: Yeah. And look, I have attended a number of events. I've been fortunate enough to be involved with some events with the Australian Embassy here in Saudi Arabia. One of my favourites was this suhoor last Ramadan with just delicious Australian beef on the menu. I mean, if you're ordering beef here in Saudi Arabia, there's a very, very high chance it's from Australia, right?
Minister Farrell: It is. And you're dead right there. Ambassador Armitage does a terrific job in promoting Australian produce. Yesterday, we went to one of the biggest supermarkets here – LuLu - and we saw all of that wonderful beef on shelves. But one of the things that Australia has learnt over the last, say five years, is you've got to diversify your trading relationship, and that means building bridges with other countries and selling more to those countries. So, we've got a great reputation here for high-quality, good-value food. But it can be better, we can do more, and that's what I'd like to do.
Byron Cooke: Great stuff. I thought when you mentioned His Excellency Miles Armitage does a great job, I thought you'd better say he does a great job cooking it. I'm not sure if I think I'd go to a restaurant rather than have His Excellency cook for me. Now, Saudi and Australian culture, we know of course there are differences. That's what makes the world go round, that's what's beautiful about the world. But what are some of the similarities? I know you haven't been here long, but in your observation, the similarities between the two cultures?
Minister Farrell: Well, I can tell you one of the similarities is the weather right now in Adelaide, where I come from, where, of course, the LIV Golf under Premier Malinauskas is just about to get a whole lot bigger. Another of the similarities, of course, is the heat. It's 45 degrees in Adelaide today, and of course, over the summer, you'll get similar temperatures or even higher over here. And so, we have to both, where I come from, in South Australia, the driest state and the driest continent. We have to learn to live within our environment and make the best of that. And I think both of our countries are determined to do that, and I think we both do it really well.
Byron Cooke: Absolutely. And just before you go, it's a very hectic schedule for you. You've only got 24 more hours. So, just one more minute for the Byron Cooke show and then straight out. Why is Saudi Arabia an important partner for Australia in this region?
Minister Farrell: Look, they're a key partner. Both in terms of population and influence. It's a really important part of the world. I'm the first Trade Minister in 10 years to come here. This afternoon, I'll be meeting with the Commerce Minister, the Industry Minister, and the Critical Minerals Minister. I think we have to rebuild some relationships there. I think this is the opportunity to do it, and I think there's so much more we can do with Saudi that I'd love to be part of.
Byron Cooke: Well, it's been an absolute pleasure to have you here and all of your people here, of course, with you. It's been my pleasure. And one of the other exports from Australia is breakfast radio hosts. Saudi Arabia's been known to bring in one of those as well, at least. So, that was good news for me. And I love being part of this exchange.
Minister Farrell: The best one, I'm told. But look, there's a reason why the 11,000 Australians who live in Saudi listen to you, and that's because you're so very good at this.
Byron Cooke: You can stay. I thought we might hang around. Cancel all of his plans, please. No, thank you. Tremendous to have you here. The Australian Senator, the Honourable Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism and doing a great job. Thank you. Thanks again for coming in, shukran, as we say.
Minister Farrell: Thanks, Byron. Great to be here.