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Free trade agreement is threat to water market: IngramIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has condemned the provisions in the US / Australian free trade agreement, which he says will undermine the state’s sovereignty and ability to continue to regulate the water industry. By Craig Ingram - 11th November 2004 - Back to News Mr Ingram said the state and commonwealth governments have sold out Australian farmers with the USFTA in relation to water.
"In Parliament today (Wednesday, 10 November 2004) I have called on the Premier to justify the Government’s support of the US / Australia free trade agreement," Mr Ingram said.
"Under Chapter 11 of the USFTA, American investors will be in a more favourable position than Australian farmers and investors in relation to the water industry.
"For example, US investors would have rights to compensation for state-imposed restrictions to access or use water. This right will not be available to Australian farmers.
"It’s time the state and federal governments justified their positions of support for the free trade agreement, which will have a significant impact on Australian water industry.
"The free trade agreement will also potentially allow US water companies to compete with the metro water providers, undermining the government’s commitment to retain the state ownership of the water delivery and retail industry," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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