NationStates Jolt Archive

What does everyone think of the USAFTA (Aussies and Americans??) Is it going to benefit both countries, just the one or is it all just so insignificant that it makes more impact on the environment through all the paper its written about on than it will in our day to day lives.

The four big issues are

1. Intellectual Property
2. The PBS and Pharmaceuticals
3. Government Procurement
4. Quarantine

I think the PBS is likely to be adversely effected by the FTA and that the labor ammendment is going to be completley ineffectual in combating it.

It's so one sided because the US gains so much and Australia concedes so much. The US did well and Australia sold out. I can see drug prices rising, more American TV (moan), compromised Australian agriculture (it's happening now) and very happy US drug companies.

Australia is a advanced nation and does not need FTAs with US.

It'll probably benefit both countries overall, in dollar terms. I think it'll benefit the US a lot more than Australia simply because Johnny rang up the negotiators and told them to close it before they'd got the best possible deal. I think people will suffer because of it too.

It'll probably benefit both countries overall, in dollar terms. I think it'll benefit the US a lot more than Australia simply because Johnny rang up the negotiators and told them to close it before they'd got the best possible deal. I think people will suffer because of it too.

I'm sure lots of sugar farmers will be voting Liberal or National ... not!