    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 6, 2004]
    [Pages 1242-1243]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting Legislation To Implement the United
    States-Australia Free Trade Agreement
    July 6, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents
    prepared by my Administration to implement the United States-Australia
    Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This Agreement adds an important dimension
    to our bilateral relationship with a steadfast ally in the global
    economic and strategic arena. This FTA will enhance the prosperity of
    the people of the United States and Australia, serve the interest of
    expanding U.S. commerce, and advance our overall national interest.
        My Administration is committed to securing a level playing field and
    creating opportunities for America's workers, farmers, and businesses.
    The United States and Australia already enjoy a strong trade
    relationship. The U.S.-Australia FTA will further open Australia's
    market for U.S. manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services,
    and will promote new growth in our bilateral trade. As soon as this FTA
    enters into force, tariffs will be eliminated on almost all manufactured
    goods traded between our countries, providing significant export
    opportunities for American manufacturers. American farmers will also
    benefit due to the elimination of tariffs on all exports of U.S.
    agricultural products.
        The U.S.-Australia FTA will also benefit small- and medium-sized
    businesses and their employees. Such firms already account for a
    significant amount of bilateral trade. The market opening resulting from
    this Agreement presents opportunities for those firms looking to start
    or enhance participation in global trade.
        In negotiating this FTA, my Administration was guided by the
    negotiating objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002. The Agreement's
    provisions on agriculture represent a balanced response to those seeking
    improved access to Australia's markets, through immediate elimination of
    tariffs on U.S. exports and mechanisms to resolve sanitary and
    phytosanitary issues and facilitate trade between our countries, while
    recognizing the sensitive nature of some U.S. agricultural sectors and
    their possible vulnerability to increased imports.
        The U.S.-Australia FTA also reinforces the importance of creativity
    and technology to both of our economies. The Agreement

    [[Page 1243]]

    includes rules providing for strong protection and enforcement of
    intellectual property rights, promotes the use of electronic commerce,
    and provides for increased cooperation between our agencies on
    addressing anticompetitive practices, financial services,
    telecommunications, and other matters.
        The Agreement memorializes our shared commitment to labor and
    environmental issues. The United States and Australia have worked in
    close cooperation on these issues in the past and will pursue this
    strategy and commitment to cooperation in bilateral and global fora in
    the future.
        With the approval of this Agreement and passage of the implementing
    legislation by the Congress, we will advance U.S. economic, security,
    and political interests, and set an example of the benefits of free
    trade and democracy for the world.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     July 6, 2004.