Andrew Robbs department has issued a fact sheet on the China Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Here is the inconvenient truth about Mr Robbs trade deal:
MYTH: ChAFTA will not allow unrestricted access to the Australian labour market by Chinese workers. DFAT fact sheet
REALITY: In respect of the specific commitments on temporary entry in this Chapter neither Party shall: (a) impose or maintain any limitations on the total number of visas to be granted to natural persons of the other Party; or (b) require labour market testing, economic needs testing or other procedures of similar effect as a condition for temporary entry. Chapter 10, Movement of Natural Persons, China Australia FTA
MYTH: Under IFAs [Investment Facilitation Agreements] Australian workers will continue to be given first opportunity. DFAT fact sheet
REALITY: There will be no requirement for labour market testing to enter into an IFA. Memorandum of Understanding on IFAs
MYTH: ChAFTA does not change the required skills levels for Chinese visa applicants. DFAT fact sheet
REALITY: Australia will remove the requirement for mandatory skills assessment for the following ten occupations on the date of entry into force of the Agreement: Automotive Electrician Cabinetmaker Carpenter Carpenter and Joiner Diesel Motor Mechanic Electrician (General) Electrician (Special Class) Joiner Motor Mechanic (General) Motorcycle Mechanic. Side letter on skills assessment and testing
MYTH: ISDS does not protect an investor from a mere loss of profits following a change in government policy or regulation. DFAT fact sheet
REALITY:Philip Morris Asia is challenging Australias tobacco plain packaging legislation under an Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism in the 1993 Investment Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Hong Kong. Philip Morris Asia is arguing that Australia's tobacco plain packaging measure constitutes an expropriation of its Australian investments. Tobacco plain packaginginvestor-state arbitration, Attorney-Generals Department
MYTH: Australia is open for business under the Abbott Government.
REALITY: Over the past 18 months the Abbott Government hasturned away foreign investors, introduced a lower screening threshold forforeign investment in agricultural land, imposed a raft of newapplication fees, charges and penaltieson foreign investors that willgouge an extra $735 millionin application fees alone over the next four years. A new exposure draft foreign investment bill confirms the Abbott Governments red tape run around for foreign investors.