Australia-EU trade deal faces opposition from The Nationals

A political dispute has emerged in Australia regarding a proposed $10 billion-a-year free trade agreement with the European Union. The Nationals party intends to attempt to block the deal when it reaches parliament early next year.

Nationals leader Matt Canavan argues the agreement fails farmers and could expose Australia to sanctions if the nation fails to meet climate targets under the 2016 Paris Agreement. In response, Trade Minister Don Farrell has dismissed these climate-related concerns as a “straw man” argument.

Cabinet minister Tim Ayres has called on Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to take a “strong stand” against what he described as “fanatics” in The Nationals, framing the vote as a test of Taylor’s “economic credibility.” Meanwhile, Coalition frontbencher Sarah Henderson stated that while the Coalition desires better trade with the EU, the current proposal is “not a good deal for Australians,” specifically citing concerns regarding beef and dairy sectors.