Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(1)   The following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 February 2012:

     The impact of fixed currencies on international trade and the potential consequences on Australian jobs and industries as a result of goods being imported from countries with artificially suppressed currencies.

(2)   In undertaking the inquiry, the committee must consider:

  (a)   the effect of fixed currencies on the price of imported and exported goods;

  (b)   whether it is desirable that all countries have floated currencies;

  (c)   the ability for domestic industries to fairly compete against imported goods from countries which do not have floated currencies;

  (d)   whether there are any existing trade remedies available to support Australian industries which compete against imports from countries which do not have floated currencies;

  (e)   possible tools and trade remedies to compensate for, or otherwise redress, those currency fluctuations that may impair commitments undertaken by members in successive rounds of trade negotiations;

  (f)   whether Australia's anti-dumping regime needs to take into account the impact of fixed currencies;

  (g)   the effect that fixed currencies have on Australia's terms of trade; and

  (h)   any other related matters.

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.