Fed: Labor could make up its mind on FTA this week: McMullan

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2004
Fed: Labor could make up its mind on FTA this week: McMullan

Labor might be ready to make a decision on whether to support the free trade agreement
between Australia and the United States by the end of the week.

Labor finance spokesman BOB McMULLAN says that could happen if all the bits fall into
place and the Senate committee report examining the deal is released this week.

He's told the Seven Network a major factor in Labor's decision will be whether the
FTA leads to more investment and jobs in Australia.

Opposition leader MARK LATHAM has said previously that the Senate committee report
will dictate his position on the FTA.

The Australian newspaper reported yesterday that the chairman of the Senate committee,
Labor Senator PETER COOK, has refused to offer up the draft recommendations until after
the Labor caucus has debated the issue.

Caucus is due to meet in Canberra tomorrow.

AAP RTV bt/jmt

KEYWORD: TRADE US LABOR (CANBERRA)

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