Voice your opposition to the FTA

Anna Pha

As negotiations were due to resume this week in Washington, the 
sealing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the US and 
Australia kept running into the obstacles that have existed since 
it was first proposed. Both governments are under considerable 
pressure from farming and other groups not to make 
concessions.

In Australia there is a growing movement against the FTA, which 
would undermine Australian sovereignty over imports, foreign 
investment and quarantine regulations; lead to the destruction of 
the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS); result in the closure 
of many more farms; assist the privatisation of postal, health, 
water and other public services; wipe out local content 
requirements in film and television; see the end of media 
ownership laws; and seriously damage the economy.

This week is seen by both governments as the last opportunity 
before the US elections to stitch up a deal.

Prime Minister John Howard has graciously conceded that his 
"close personal relationship" with President Bush might not be 
enough "to triumph over local and sectoral self-interest"! But if 
it can find a way the Howard Government will sell Australia out.

According to Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile, the main 
sticking point is the US refusal to open up to Australian farm 
imports, which suggests that Australia has acceded to the demands 
of US corporations on other issues such as quarantine 
deregulation, pharmaceuticals, media, health, education and 
water.

The negotiations have been conducted under a veil of secrecy, 
with the big corporations in the know, but not Parliament or the 
Australian public.

Nothing the Howard Government has said can be believed.

For example, we are told that the PBS is not on the negotiating 
table, that it is safe. But in the US, Democrat leaders in the 
House of Representatives who were briefed on the discussions were 
so horrified at the plan to hit the PBS that they wrote to Bush 
urging that US Trade Representative Zoellick withdraw the 
proposal and replace it with one arrived at through dialogue with 
Congress.

They expressed concern over the consequences for the US and 
Australian people. "Key elements of the proposal appear designed 
to increase drug prices in Australia at a time when the Bush 
Administration has failed to reduce the drug costs of Americans", 
the Democrats' letter said.

"Moreover, given that far too many Americans cannot afford access 
to life-saving or life-prolonging medicines, it is astounding 
that the United States may seek to impose those shortcomings not 
only on Australia today but on the rest of the world tomorrow."

"The broad access [to affordable prescription drugs] that 
Australians currently enjoy would be undoubtedly threatened if 
prices increased."

The proposed FTA affects all Australians and all aspects of life. 
It will not go to Parliament for consideration, but Parliament 
will be expected to pass laws to make our legislation conform to 
the FTA's contents.

It is still possible that Minister Vaile will totally capitulate 
to US corporate interests and sign on the dotted line.

The situation is urgent. If you have access to the internet, 
visit http://www.nofta.org and 
cast a vote against this secretive, undemocratic and very 
destructive agreement.

Ring, fax, phone or email the office of the Prime Minister and 
Trade Minister and your local MP and Senators.

The pressure must be maintained. Make your voice heard in 
opposition to the FTA.