Abstract:
From the outset the potential for a free trade agreement with the United States resulted in intense media
speculation and political lobbying by predominantly business and industry groups as well as community
groups and Opposition parties to ensure that the Australian Government negotiated a fair deal that
reflects their interests. On 8 February 2004, Australia announced it had finalised negotiations with the
United States (US FTA)[1] In the wake of the text's belated release, public commentary is divided
between those who argue the agreement can only be beneficial for Australia's economy and those who
argue that it weakens Australian citizens' rights, diminishes Australian sovereignty or that the gains will
be insignificant.[2] Yet a notable absence from the media coverage has been an Indigenous voice. In
particular the absence of any ATSIS/ ATSIC voice should be of concern to all Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples. This article explores what constitutes a free trade agreement and what relevance
the US FTA is to Indigenous Australia.
