Australia


ETU sparks trade debate
Frankston and Mornington residents have been receiving automated phone calls, part of a campaign by the Electrical Trades Union to “stop the China Free Trade Agreement” amid union fears electricians’ jobs are at risk.
Bechtel revokes GLNG workers' leave ahead of China FTA protest march
A protest march planned by five major trade unions over the China free-trade agreement has set on edge management at United States construction giant Bechtel
Food exporters may have to rebadge food labels as a result of free trade deals
Food exporters are being warned they could face the costly process of rebadging food labels as a result of free trade deals
TPP negotiations come down to the wire
With final negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement scheduled to conclude on Friday, there are a bunch of thorny issues still yet to be agreed on. Perspective from Australia.
TPP: Australia considers 'modified' ISDS clause
Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb says he won't sign off on investor-state dispute settlement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership "until we're satisfied that there's a carve out for public policy on health and the environment,"
More than 2,000 unionists rally in Brisbane to protest against China-Australia FTA
The protest marked the second national rally against the FTA, following protests at the ALP National Conference last Friday.
Media barred in Brisbane as unions rally against Chinese free trade agreement
Overzealous security has barred media from a public hearing into Australia's free trade deal with China, prompting union claims of a cover-up.
China Free Trade Agreement: Unions call on Robb to 'set the record straight'
Australian unions will rally outside the national Labor Party conference on Friday urging it to take a tough stand against the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Australia flying blind on free trade agreements, says Productivity Commission
On the eve of negotiations expected to finalise a giant trans-Pacific free trade agreement with 11 of Australia’s neighbours, the Department of Foreign Affairs has revealed that none of Australia’s existing agreements has been subjected to an independent analysis to work out whether the claims made for it have stacked up.
Taiwan to propose economic cooperation pact with Australia
Following signature of the China-Australia FTA last month, Taiwan will express the idea of signing one with Australia at an upcoming vice ministerial-level trade and economic meeting between the two nations in Taipei.