Chapter:
34 - International Affairs
Mover:
Seconder:
 
 
Source:
Policy Committee: Int Affairs
My Private Notes


Preamble
​Labor’s National Platform commits to an ‘ambitious fair trade agenda’. 
Conference welcomes the federal Labor Government's landmark work on ESG (environment, social, governance) standards in critical minerals trade with Europe, and domestic reform to promote and green premium in markets where Australia can add value to natural resources we have in abundance.
This reform and others like it are crucial to Australia's long-term success as a trading nation, and are a leading examples of Labor values expressed to the good of Australia's comparative advantage and global competitiveness.
They are a testament to Labor’s National Platform commitment to pursue an ‘ambitious fair-trade agenda’.
Though various trade measures are shaking out with a change of government in the US, some areas including critical minerals remain stable in bilateral trade with Australia.
The US has brought a range of policy in recent years, and under President Biden the Trade Representative Katharine Tai promoted benefits for workers and the environment of a ‘race to the top’.
Trade Minister Don Farrell has promoted similarly a ‘race to the top’ in connection with fair trade.
Through recent months, large trading blocs outside North America, including the EU and the Latin American Mercosur group have made trade agreement progress, including a deal endorsing the Paris Agreement, and potential significant supply of mining and agricultural products to the EU.
Australia should engage with these and other groups and countries pursuing an ambitious fair trade agenda, as well as sustaining engagement with trading partners seeing flux, like China and the US.
General Resolution

Progressing Labor’s ambitious fair-trade agenda

​Conference welcomes federal Labor's policy for a 'race to the top' regarding fair trade and as part of this calls on federal Labor to:
- Progress further regulatory alignment with EU across sectors, engaging on the process and outcome of the European Commission's streamlining of regulation;
- Engage with like-mindeds on similar regulatory alignment and integration, as appropriate at both national and subnational level, leveraging positions like the 2025 Chair of the CPP-TPP group;
- Promote the benefit for small and medium exporters to Australia, Europe and other markets, including exporters from low- and middle-income countries, of a uniform regulatory system for ESG compliance, that avoids multiplication of regulation.
- Engage with private companies outside the EU and Australia with an interest in regulatory alignment for their exports and inbound investment;
- Like New Zealand, seek observer status on emerging trade blocs like the South American Mercosur group, and promote Labor values on fair trade, including ESG standards and fair access for agricultural products;
- Promote opportunities for mining equipment, technology and services, including in supporting of development assistance (like previous Mining for Development programs);
- Affirm of the governance aspect of ESG standards the continued importance of anti-bribery frameworks for fair trade and investor confidence.