Kerry backs free trade agreement (with Australia)

[CShine]

The US Congress is set to ratify the free trade agreement with Australia, after Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry declared his support for the deal. Senator Kerry, who had earlier refused to take a stand on an issue dividing Democrat legislators, finally came out in favour of the agreement in a statement that was printed in the US Senate record.

His decision to back the deal adds to pressure on Labor leader Mark Latham to do the same. But Mr Latham stuck to his guns yesterday, saying Labor wants all information put on the table before it takes a decision. In his statement, Senator Kerry expressed disappointment that the US had opened up its beef and dairy markets so much to Australian competition, but said the agreement would promote US economic interests and job creation.

"Australia is an important ally, and we must do all we can to ensure a healthy and vibrant relationship between our two nations," he said. "The United States has a trade surplus with Australia, and this agreement will boost our exports still further by eliminating Australian tariffs on our manufactured goods and on key agricultural exports." But he regretted that the deal did not include "strong and enforceable labour standards" or do more to protect US farmers.

The trade deal is expected to pass Congress next month. A spokesman for Trade Minister Mark Vaile said Senator Kerry's backing showed that the deal "enjoys stronger bipartisan support in the US than here".

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/29/1088487965657.html?oneclick=true

[BayCityProgressive]

1. surprise surprise

more free trade..thanks for nothing Kerry

[PROUDNWLIBERAL]

2. WTF

Roll-Over Kerry just helped to get John Howard elected as PM of Australia. Helping the conservatives! When will Kerry stand-up and not spout the Republican line. I'm beginning to ask what is the difference between Kerry and the Republicans. I really don't like Kerry's thoughts on Iraq. We should be hammering the Republicans!

[AlphaNR]

3. There's nothing wrong

with free trade with nations when it is fair trade (labor laws enforced)

[BayCityProgressive]

4. maybe

if he regrets the abcense of strong labor standards he should introduce a bill demanding them...oh wait..why do anything to court the Left?

[AlphaNR]

5. If you'll read his position on the issues

you'll see that's part of his plan.

[robcon]

6. Terrific news

His free trade stand is principled and right.

[Massacure]

7. Australians make living wages

I don't see anything wrong with free trade with them.

I don't like it when companies outsource jobs to poor countries and force their employees to work 16 hours a day, only to earn a few pennies per hour. Those are the kinds of jobs that kill our economy.

[geek tragedy]

8. This is Australia, not China or Burma

This shouldn't undercut US workers too much--I would imagine Australians don't work for 50 cents an hour and have similar environmental policies.

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. Australian federal minimum wage is AUS $11.35

about US $7.88. So no, I can't see the Australians undercutting American workers that much. The other way round, perhaps ...