ACT Labor Party Backs Fair Trade Policy

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 1 July 2000

Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Wayne Berry has received unanimous support for his move for a change in Australian Trade Policy at the ACT Branch ALP Annual Conference today.

"The ACT Branch ALP Conference has now joined the growing chorus of concern about globalisation and free trade and the impact on the Australian workforce," Mr Berry said.

"Australian Governments must change direction on trade and take into account the social elements of goods in the free trade bazaar. Low cost goods, which contain a low labour component because of low social standards, should not be regarded as fair trade.

"Fair trade does not involve protectionism but does means trade which benefits society and delivers progress for all countries in terms of:

• Employment growth,
• Improved social protections,
• Implementation of core labour standards,
• Sustainable environmental standards,
• Elimination of forced labour/child labour,
• Adherence to human rights and democratic values.

"It is my view that we must put the community and civil society at the centre of the economy and the ACT Branch of the ALP backs me in this.

"There must be values that guide and underpin the trading system so that it provides the mechanisms, incentives and opportunity for all nations to engage in a race to the top not a race to the bottom.

"I am happy to support and promote policies which recognise the needs of Australian workers and our social obligations and urge the Party's National Conference to ensure that the Labor Party's policies do the same," Mr Berry concluded.