Labor has moved to establish a Senate inquiry into the proposed China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
The Senate will vote tomorrow on a Labor motion to refer ChAFTA to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report.
The terms of reference require the committee to examine the agreements impact on Australias economy, trade, labour market testing obligations, wages and conditions of Australian workers and temporary visa holders, investment, and social, cultural and environmental policies.
Labor is disappointed that despite announcing ChAFTAs conclusion in November, the Abbott Government has still not released the text of the agreement.
This is in keeping with the Governments poor track record on transparency and community engagement in trade negotiations.
The Senate inquiry will report within one month of the tabling of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties report on ChAFTA.
This inquiry will provide stakeholders, including domestic industries set to benefit from reduced trade barriers, with an opportunity to put their views.
Labor is concerned to ensure that ChAFTA provides genuine market access for Australian businesses, supports Australian jobs, and furthers our national interest.