Fed: Labor acting against national interest on FTA: Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
Fed: Labor acting against national interest on FTA: Howard

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says the opposition is acting against the national interest
by refusing to support the US-Australia trade agreement.

The Australian and US governments this week agreed to sign the so-called Free Trade
Agreement but are yet to release the text of the deal.

Labor says it's waiting until the agreement is examined by a parliamentary inquiry
before it passes judgement.

But Mr HOWARD says he's amazed Labor is not supporting the deal.

He says it's a once in a generation opportunity to link Australia to the most powerful
economy in the world and to oppose it goes against what's good for the country.

AAP RTV pj/sb/sco

KEYWORD: TRADE US HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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