This March, UnitingWorld, the ACTU and other civil society leaders met with Australian parliamentary and government leaders in Canberra to ask for a fair go on trade talks with Pacifi c nations. By Bruce Mullan

On a recent visit to the Solomon Islands I watched hundreds of happy children heading for class at the Kokeqolo Community School. Here a small team of teachers deliver education with few resources, inadequate facilities and limited professional preparation. Children like Joseph, who I met in Kokeqolo, are a reminder of the severe impact a free trade agreement will have.

Under the agreement it is estimated that the Solomon Islands government will lose up to $31 million Solomon Dollars annually in tariffs currently collected on imports from Australia and NZ. The question must be asked, how will they continue to pay their teachers and provide basic health and education services to the community?

Motivated by children like Joseph and our commitment to stand in solidarity with our partner churches I was part of a delegation that met with Parliamentary Secretary (Pacifi c Island Affairs) Duncan Kerr and key advisors for Trade Minister Simon Crean and Parliamentary Secretary (International Development Assistance) Bob McMullan.

As Australia and New Zealand engage in PACER Plus round of trade negotiations with Pacifi c nations both countries are working hard to persuade Pacifi c governments of the advantages of their approach.

UnitingWorld’s view is that the Australian and New Zealand governments are operating like free trade evangelists and it appears that only civil society groups including the church are presenting alternative views.

We have developed a policy paper on trade justice and in July will request the Assembly adopt this paper as the basis for representations and advocacy. The paper points out that while trade offers opportunities to foster human development, an unrestrained international trade system potentially will leave the poorest and most vulnerable behind.

UnitingWorld encourages you and your community to advocate for fair trade agreements and for trade negotiations to take account of Pacifi c Island realities.