Free trade
alarm between America and Australia
31
October, 2003, Herald Sun, By Mark Phillips
A FREE trade agreement with the US could see foreign companies suing
the Australian Government for loss of profits from domestic laws and
programs, according to new research.
A report to be released today by the Catholic
Commission for Justice and Peace and Liberty Victoria says there has
been an explosion of litigation against governments under the North
American FTA.
Private companies have won tens of millions
of dollars in compensation after suing the US, Canadian and Mexican
governments over domestic social and environmental laws.
Anne O'Rourke, of Liberty Victoria, said claims by companies against
governments had run to more than $38 billion since the NAFTA was signed
in 1992.
The Canadian Government has been ordered
to pay $38.6 million in damages, and the Mexican Government has had
to pay out $26 million. They have argued that domestic laws have reduced
their profit-making ability.
"We don't want this sort of thing
happening in Australia under a free trade agreement with the US,"
Ms O'Rourke said.
High-profile cases include a $228.6 million
claim by the US courier company United Parcel Service against Canada
Post's public service monopoly, which is still to be decided.
A Canadian company has lodged a $19.4 billion
claim against US bans on the disposal of radioactive waste at sea.
In light of these concerns, Liberty Victoria
and the CCJDP will call for more transparency about negotiations and
public input before the FTA is finalised.
Trade Minister Mark Vaile said FTA negotiations
would not be conducted in the public arena.