Is Australian culture really under threat from the proposed free-trade agreement with

[jillamanda]

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/19/1071337146168.html

So what do we all think about this? I'm still pondering the issue, it has it's good points and it's bad points. But if it's going to cost us our 'Aussieness', it's not worth it. These so called 'free trade agreements' should come with a guarantee that cultures won't be corrupted.

[jillamanda]

:OOPS: ....oops, the header didn't fit, but the last bit is:-
'the United States.'......ok? (sorry 'bout that)

[Ty]

Hasn't asia already ruined that??:hehe:

[evereno]

That was a verey thought provoking article. After reading the article I understand why the question was raised. However, while I have major concerns regarding NAFTA-type agreements that I will be happy to discuss in another thread dedicated to that specific subject. Nevertheless, the Australian Culture is not directly under threat based on the Aussie-US proposed trade agreement.

Considering the impact of television in the world, the deconstruction of traditional cultural values will continue regardless of any free-trade agreement. While governmental controls may provide the illusion of cultural preservation, in this technological era there is no way to effectively inhibit/prevent information and vehicles to entertainment.

There legitimate reasons to be leary of any free-trade agreement if you do not trust the market or consumer choice, but not because of its impact on Australian culture. Of course, I may be bias considering I am a free-market, anti-government American.

[micron]

The problem with Australia entering into free trade agreements with anyone is that our politicians and many of the people are naive.
Its the duty of any government to maximise the trade equation for their own consitiuents.Most countries are well aware of this,we have been unable to freely access US agricultural markets for years in spite of assurances from the US government.This is because the US decision makers recognise it would not be in the interest of their farmers.
Australian politicians on the other hand would sell their farmers or any other private enterprise down the river so they can appear to be cooperating with the "level playing field" concept.
Australia needs to heavily protect its manufacturing industries.Not to disenfranchise overseas companies but to force our lazy bludgers to build our own procuction base.Only then can we even think about competing.

[jillamanda]

Here it comes.........

Bush rapped over Aust deal snag

From correspondents in Washington
February 5, 2004

THE powerful US business lobby flexed its political muscle today as it urged President George W Bush not to let special interest groups scupper a landmark US-Australia trade deal.

Top US and Australian trade officials have been locked in exhaustive talks for nearly two weeks, but their drive for the proposed pact looks increasingly shaky after the Australians warned they could not do a deal at "any cost".

"We should aim for a comprehensive agreement with Australia and resist demands for special treatment for certain industries or products," said Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce.

"Let's not lose sight of the significant benefits of the agreement by listening to the narrow demands of special interest groups," he urged.

The proposed deal appears to be in danger of foundering over agriculture - particularly sugar production - with Washington refusing to open its heavily protected and politically sensitive sugar market to Australian competition.


Push for US trade deal by mid-year

February 5, 2004

THE Federal Government was confident of finalising a free trade agreement with the US by the middle of this year, it said today.

Trade Minister Mark Vaile has been in talks with his US counterpart Robert Zoellick for more than a week, trying to surmount a series of problems facing the proposed FTA.

The federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today the agreement would be finalised before July.

"It's very much a President Bush and Howard government objective," Ms Bishop told a forum on the US presidential race and its implications for Australia.

"... In terms of the timing of the negotiations, we are dealing with the Bush administration, and so the likelihood of completing a free trade agreement is such that it will be with the Bush administration."

[jillamanda]

Here it is.......our sugar producers aren't too happy.......

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/09/1076175057435.html

[RicardoHead]

Sorry Aussies, but I say just the opposite is true.

On the radio today they were talking about an Australian Invasion tour. I'll go out on a limb and assume Australia is not sending its armies and navies here to fight us - thus we can expect a cultural invasion to hit our shores. Perhaps it is a preemptive retaliatory strike.

Still, I asked around and nobody feels it is a threat to our culture. Perhaps that is because of the positive experience with prior Aussie invasions which taught us how to put "shrimp on the barby" and to greet each other with a pleasant "g'day" (which has since been replaced with a much less pleasant "yo dogg") and to burn the Midnight Oil and to be Hopelessly devoted to youuuu. These invasions seem to come in 7 year spurts.

In short, I think we Americans have more to fear from Australia that Australia from us. In the end, you Aussies still don't like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and yet I can get Vegemite at the local market (right next to the Cod Liver Oil).

[jillamanda]

:( Yeah, but you still don't eat sheep...........