Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Havachat: Free, fair or foolish? The Australian-US FTA - Day 5

By Doug Cameron and Alan Oxley - posted Friday, 30 May 2003


Havachats are week-long email dialogues between two prominent advocates on an issue of the day. To vote on the issue and make your view count, click here.

Day 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5.

Doug goes first. Alan responds.

Advertisement

From: Doug Cameron
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2003 13:15
To: Alan Oxley
Subject: Summary

Dear Alan,

The AMWU has demonstrated our commitment to achieving an internationally competitive manufacturing industry.

We have also been active in achieving increased investment through Industry Superannuation Funds in venture capital for Australian manufacturing companies (your term “Pension Fund" demonstrates how quickly you can be captured by American culture and practice). I have also been personally involved in discussions with major overseas corporations which have resulted in increased overseas investment in Australia.

We welcome an increased engagement with the world economy including increased exports of our manufactured goods, however we do have significant concerns as to the nature and structure of the current so-called "rules based" trading regime based on the WTO, IMF, and World Bank.

There are also significant issues relating to Australia's sovereignty and capacity to act in the interests of the nation, its communities and jobs under a USFTA.

This debate has also highlighted widespread concern as to the nature of bilateral trade agreements such as the USFTA. I do not believe you have answered these concerns in your contributions.

Advertisement

You continue to make wide-ranging unsubstantiated assertions in your increasingly partisan, blinkered and strident advocacy of a USFTA.

It is too easy to brand genuine concerns as a "scare campaign". I have raised a range of issues including the economic, social and cultural problems that could arise from a USFTA. Many of the issues identified have also been raised by the broader community, and academics as issues that must be addressed in a reasoned, balanced and analytical manner.

So far most of the independent analysis questions the benefits of a USFTA. Proponents of the USFTA will need to do better than the "trust me, you're getting a bargain" approach epitomised by your contributions to this debate.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

1 post so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Authors

Doug Cameron is National Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

Alan Oxley is the former ambassador to the General Agreement on Trades and Tariffs and Chairman of the Australian APEC Studies Centre.

Other articles by these Authors

All articles by Doug Cameron
All articles by Alan Oxley
Related Links
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
Australia-US Trade Agreement home page
Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade resources
Download the findings (Word doc, 319kb)
www.worldgrowth.org
Article Tools
Comment 1 comment
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy