ISDS Case Map
Australia
Australia’s efforts to end a diplomatic deep freeze with China may not be getting anywhere fast on the surface, but there are nonetheless some signs of a potential thaw.
Google and Facebook could sue the government for billions of dollars over a proposed law to force the digital giants to pay publishers for displaying news content, by seizing on investment clauses in the Australia-Singapore trade agreement.
Australia will turn its attention towards clinching a trade agreement with Israel. A similar feasibility study to scope the benefits of beginning trade negotiations with European Free Trade Association countries.
It is envisaged sheep meat imports from Australia and New Zealand would result in sheep prices in the EU falling by 1.9% to 3.1%.
The deal with Australia could be completed as soon as March, Britain’s talks with Australia being likely to conclude before similar negotiations with New Zealand and the United States.
Minister hopes FTAs with UK, EU will be finalised this year.
Negotiations on the Australia–India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are set to restart after being suspended in 2015. Australia’s new Minister for Trade Dan Tehan has flagged that a trade deal with India will be one of his top priorities.
The US has said the proposed legislation could run counter to the US-Australia free trade agreement.
Australian taxpayers could be on the hook for compensation following a dispute between the Western Australian government and Clive Palmer’s Mineralogy, federal budget papers reveal.
Such bilateral trade agreements produce little economic benefit — and certainly nothing like the absurd claims made for them by politicians.
