China FTA sails to Senate
Two reports will be released on Friday, paving the way for the Senate to debate and pass the China-Australia free trade agreement.
Senate debate on the enabling laws behind the historic trade deal is due to start on Monday, following the lower house passing them in October.
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But the upper house debate won’t start until senators have a chance to see the results of two inquiries.
The foreign affairs, defence and trade legislation committee report will deal with the two enabling bills by covering the broader impact of the deal on the economy and trade, Australian jobs, investment and social and environmental policy.
Labor has agreed to pass the bills in a deal struck with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on greater protections for Australian jobs.
The first tariff cuts are due to come into force by the end of the year.