Media release
by the Acting Minister for Trade, John Anderson
15th January 2003
Public Comment Sought on Discussion Paper on the GATS
The Acting Minister for Trade, John Anderson, today released a discussion paper for public comment on the preparation of Australia's initial offer under the World Trade Organisation General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations.
"Today's release of this discussion paper on the GATS continues the process by the Australian Government of consulting widely with the Australian community about GATS issues," Mr Anderson said.
"The Government welcomes any comments interested parties have on the principles for formulating Australia's initial offer in the GATS negotiations, or any issues about the GATS requests received by Australia."
Australia has received requests from 22 WTO members to date. The requests seek a range of new GATS commitments, or amendments to existing limitations or reservations set out in Australia's schedule of commitments.
"It is important to note Australia's initial GATS offer is not a legally binding commitment and it may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
"Similarly, Australia is not obliged to respond positively to any request we have received. Australia can choose not to make commitments in a particular sector, or to structure our commitments to limit market access or discriminate between foreign and domestic suppliers."
It was agreed at the WTO Ministerial in Doha in November last year that initial GATS requests were to be lodged on 30 June 2002 with members expected to respond to the initial requests made of them by 31 March 2003.
The discussion paper is available on the DFAT website at http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/services. Hard copies are also available from the DFAT Office of Trade Negotiations.
Comments on the discussion paper are invited by Monday, 24 February 2003, to The Director, Service Trade Negotiations, Office of Trade Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Barton, ACT 0221 or by e-mail to: services.negotiations@dfat.gov.au.
Media Contact: Paul Chamberlin 02 62777680 | Scott Mitchell (DFAT) 02 6277 7420