Greens condemn Howard's trip to Washington as an insult to parliamentary democracy.

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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04.05.04

Greens condemn Howard's trip to Washington as an insult to parliamentary
democracy.

Speaking to protesters outside the Senate Committee's hearings into the
US/Australia Free Trade Agreement in Sydney today Senator Kerry Nettle
condemned John Howard for travelling to Washington to sign the Free
Trade Agreement and lobby Congress before the Senate has concluded its
consideration of the document.

"John Howard's visit to Washington is part election stunt part snub to
parliament," Senator Nettle said.

"The parliament has two committees looking into the agreement, the
Senate Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. For the
Prime Minister to pre-empt the work of parliament by going to Washington
before these committees have reported is an insult to parliamentary
democracy.

"Legislation will be required to breathe life into the agreement. The
Greens will not be supporting such legislation and will be lobbying our
Senate colleagues to join us.

"The US Congress will surely be aware that Mr Howard does not have the
power to force the necessary legislation through parliament which casts
doubt on his ability to assure them that Australia will be supporting
the Agreement.

"The Greens are particularly concerned that this agreement weakens price
controls on medicines by allowing drug companies to seek reviews of
decisions by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

"The agreement also threatens Australia's clean green agricultural
industries in so far as it gives the US government a say in the
quarantine and regulation of food labelling in Australia.

"The agreement attempts to put the narrow interests of big business
ahead of the broader interests of the Australian people, our services
and our environment."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



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