How to Kill a Country: Australia's Devastating Trade Deal with the United States.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Date: 01 January 2005
• Author: Boldt, Nicole
• Published date: 01 January 2005
• Author: Boldt, Nicole

How To Kill a Country: Australia's devastating trade deal with the United States Linda Weiss, Elizabeth Thurbon, John Mathews Crows Nest, NSW, Allen & Unwin, 2004. $24.95

During the final round of negotiations for the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), in late January 2004, it became clear that the Australian sugar industry would not benefit. Ultimately, it was completely excluded. John Anderson, leader of the Country Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, responded by declaring that accepting such a deal would be 'un-Australian'. Anderson had repeatedly stated that sugar had to be part of the deal, along with other important agricultural products. The industry seemed to think it was assured. When the deal was finalised a few days later, the government had to engage in some serious justifying. This sudden change in position was a boon for the media and the Opposition. How could Anderson now promote an agreement that did not meet the conditions he had publicly determined? But when the Australian Government announced shortly after that the sugar industry would receive a $444 million assistance package, he was vindicated. Not only did the politically important Queensland sugar industry get their deal from the AUSFTA, but also Anderson was seen to be defending the interests of his constituents. Not a bad effort so close to a Federal election when the Country...