WHY THE STEEL TARIFFS:

Last Minute Amendments Threaten US-Australia Trade Deal (Phil Mercer, 13 Aug 2004, VOA News)

The Australian parliament has passed legislation clearing the way for a landmark free trade deal with the United States. However, last-minute amendments made in Canberra could still kill the deal.

The free trade agreement was given the crucial support of Australia's Senate, after amendments insisted on by the opposition Labor party, were included by the government in the final draft of the enabling legislation.

The concession was necessary because the government does not have a majority in the Senate. Once the upper house's approval was in hand, the legislation was rubber stamped by the government-dominated lower house.

Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said the passage of the trade agreement marked a historic day in his country's relationship with the United States. However, there was a warning from Prime Minister John Howard that his government's acceptance of opposition amendments could still derail the pact.

By demonstrating his willingness to enforce trade fairness the President was able to win Fast Track authority from Congress, whiuch prevents these kind of deal killing amendments here.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 13, 2004 10:53 AM