by James Tweedie

AUSTRALIAN trade unions warned of job losses as Canberra signed a free trade deal with China yesterday.

Trade Minister Andrew Robb and Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng put their names to the final draft of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (Chafta) in the Australian capital Canberra, seven months after a preliminary deal was struck.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the agreement was proof of his country’s trust in China.

“Today is a truly historic step forward in our comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.

A Chinese government statement said the agreement would see “the highest level of overall trade and investment liberalisation” of all China’s trade pacts.

“It is expected Chafta will facilitate the flow of capital, resources and people and benefit industries and consumers in both countries,” it said.

But the Australian Council of Trade Unions (Actu) remained concerned that, under the terms of the deal, Chinese firms operating in Australia would be able to import labour without having to advertise jobs locally.

A government factsheet issued after the initial November deal with China said that Chafta would grant “guaranteed access” to certain classes of worker for fixed periods.

“The Abbott government needs to come clean on the impact the China free trade agreement will have on unemployment and local jobs,” said Actu president Ged Kearney.

“Free trade agreements must support local jobs and industry and all indications are that the deal with China does not.”