China is already Australia’s largest trading partner and strengthening this critical economic relationship will be important for our future prosperity.
That is why Labor wants to ensure this FTA is a high-quality trade agreement which achieves genuine market access for Australian exporters and supports and creates Australian jobs.
Labor’s benchmarks for high-quality FTA with China include:
- New Zealand-plus market access outcomes for Australian farmers;
- Elimination or significant reductions in tariffs on Australian industrial goods;
- Retention of Australia’s anti-dumping safeguards;
- Major improvements in market access for Australian services;
- Reduction in red-tape and other barriers to two-way investment flows between Australia and China;
- No provisions which give Chinese companies operating in Australia superior legal rights to those enjoyed by Australian companies;
- Retention of labour market testing or comparable safeguards on temporary migration.
The impact of the agreement on the Australian labour market warrants particular attention. Any provisions on labour mobility must enhance, not constrain, job opportunities for Australians.
The Parliament and the Australian public will now have the opportunity to examine the text of the agreement.
The agreement will be considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee.
These inquiries will allow business, experts and members of the public to have their say.
WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT – 02 6277 4053
ANNIE WILLIAMS 0428 040 522 (WONG)
MITCHELL WATT (CHALMERS) 0427 532 705
