It's Time for Labor to Decide on FTA

Trade Minister Mark Vaile today called on the Leader of the Opposition to end his political posturing and support the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement.

Legislation to enable implementation of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States will go before Parliament this week - 15 months after negotiations began and almost five months after the historic deal was concluded.

"Despite strong support for the FTA from all six Labor Premiers and predictable opposition from the left-wing of the union movement, the federal Labor Party and particularly its leader have done nothing to inform the Australian public of their attitude to the agreement," Mr Vaile said.

"Not surprisingly, media reports suggest the party is divided. After two months of public hearings by two Parliamentary committees, Mr Latham needs to decide.

"To borrow a phrase from Mr Latham's political mentor, it's time.

"It's time for Mr Latham to make his mind up. It's time for him to take a leadership position over his divided party, and it's time to stop playing politics with Australian jobs."

Mr Vaile said Australia would be ridiculed if our Parliament turned down the new opportunities on offer.

"Many other countries are queuing up to negotiate trade deals with the US. These countries would jump at the chance to get preferential treatment over Australian exporters," he said.

"Mr Latham is apparently happy to support our FTA's with Singapore and Thailand. Why is he unwilling to support an FTA with the world's largest and most dynamic economy?

"The Leader of the Opposition needs to declare his hand. He needs to decide whether to play an anti-American card or a national interest card.

"If Labor plays the anti-American card, I can guarantee Australians will not forgive the Leader of the Opposition for giving away the more than 30,000 jobs this FTA is expected to create."

Contact: Matthew Doman (Ministerial) on 02 6277 7420 - Justin Lee (Departmental) on 02 6261 1555