Media release

2 August 2004 - MVT67/2004

Farce Continues as Labor Senators Support FTA while Latham Dithers

The recommendation by the three Labor Senators on the Senate committee reviewing Australia's Free Trade Agreement with the United States was a welcome development but one which confirmed the continuing high farce as the Australian Labor Party dithers over the agreement, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.

"Senators Cook, Conroy and O'Brien have concluded approval of the FTA with the US is in Australia's national interest. In doing so, they join their colleague Kim Beazley, all the State Premiers and the 14 Labor members of the House of Representatives who crossed the floor to vote for the FTA in June," Mr Vaile said.

"The Leader of the Opposition doesn't need more information or more time. He should act now to ensure this legislation is passed this week and the Free Trade Agreement can come into force on schedule in January next year.

"The Senators' unnecessary and irrelevent proposals are no more than a fig leaf to cover Labor indecision and division on the most important trade deal in Australia's history.

None of the recommendations would require amendment to the legislation now before the Senate.

Mr Vaile said the benefits of this FTA are undeniable.

"Once in force the agreement will add billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the Australian economy."

Media contact: Matthew Doman (Canberra) +612 6277 7420.