Senate debates
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Documents
Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement; Order for the Production of Documents
12:12 pm
Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I move:
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Investment, by 3 March 2014, the modelling and associated reports referred to by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade and Investment that outline the economic costs and benefits of the Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
Leave is granted for one minute.
Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
On the one hand, we have a government selling a free trade agreement based on independent economic modelling outlining the benefits of that agreement; and, on the other hand, we have the car industry. This week Toyota, and over the last 12 months Ford and Mitsubishi, have been talking about the death of the car industry based on both current and future free trade deals. Presumably, the modelling that has been done by the government has factored in the serious risks that the car industry have had for a long time with trade deals. Given the importance of this matter and the importance of a bigger discussion and debate around free trade and fair trade in this country—that is, that trade has risks and costs, as well as benefits—the government should release the economic modelling for scrutiny.
12:13 pm
Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I seek leave to make a short statement of no longer than 30 seconds.
Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
Leave is granted for 30 seconds.
Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I indicate my support for the motion moved by Senator Whish-Wilson. It is essential that we obtain the modelling and the other documents. We do not want to be considering these issues in a vacuum. I note for the record that Senator Madigan is of a similar view.
Question agreed to.