Opposition to the new free trade deal between China and Australia continues to cause problems in the Australian government, as we noted last week. Australia's ruling Conservative government believes the deal will significantly expand ties between the two countries, opening up Chinese markets to Australia and visa versa. Australia needs China’s help to transition from a reliance on exports of minerals such as coal and iron ore to expanding its food and agricultural exports to a growing Asian middle class. However, the Labour Party, is withholding support until greater protections are introduced for Australian workers, due to the concerns it will open the floodgates of cheap labour coming from China; Mr Shorten is backed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The Labor Party has also been criticised over its stance on climate change. we cannot reopen the negotiations", and warns that China may walk away from the deal.
Opposition to the new free trade deal between China and Australia continues to cause problems in the Australian government, as we noted last week. Australia's ruling Conservative government believes the deal will significantly expand ties between the two countries, opening up Chinese markets to Australia and visa versa. However, the Labour Party, is withholding support until greater protections are introduced for Australian workers, due to the concerns it will open the floodgates of cheap labour coming from China; Mr Shorten is backed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The Labor Party has also been criticised over its stance on climate change. we cannot reopen the negotiations", and warns that China may walk away from the deal.