About

About AFTINET

AFTINET is a national network of community organisations and many individuals which campaigns for fair trade based on human rights, labour rights and environmental sustainability. See our principles here.

AFTINET supplies education materials, regular bulletins and speakers at public events. We make submissions to government and opposition parties to change Australian trade policy. We form links with similar organisations in other countries to argue for different and fairer rules for international trade and investment.

Read on to find out more.

AFTINET working Group supports vote YES in the Voice referendum

June 7, 2023:  AFTINET has consistently campaigned about the impacts of trade agreements on Indigenous peoples, including campaigning against the rights of international investors to sue governments being used to claim compensation for legitimate land rights claims, and free, prior and informed consent. Recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights is a key element in achieving trade justice.

Our People

The work of AFTINET is made possible thanks to a network of activists fighting for trade justice. Through more than 20 years of campaigning, they have volunteered their skills and time, marched in rallies, spoken to parliamentarians, and spread the word. Without their contributions, we would not be able to carry on the fight for trade justice.

AFTINET Privacy Policy

AFTINET is committed to protecting your privacy

The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) is a network of around 60 community organisations and hundreds of individual members, as well as thousands of supporters. We advocate for fair trade based on human rights, labour rights and environmental sustainability. AFTINET is committed to protecting supporters’ and members’ privacy.

What kinds of personal information does AFTINET collect and hold?

AFTINET Principles, Aims & Objectives

Our principles 

There is widespread concern that current trade policy gives priority to the flow of goods, services, investment and finance at the expense of local development, protection of the environment and human rights.

Trade agreements can restrict the scope of legitimate government regulation in many areas. Under the guise of deregulation and free trade, regulatory powers are in fact transferred to international institutions beyond the reach of democratic accountability.

Achievements

Our successes:

• Pressuring government to consult with community groups as well as business, and to  publish some information about trade negotiations, although this is still very limited.

• Raising awareness of the social impacts of trade agreements through community education, submissions to government and media debate.

• Defeating some of the worst proposals in the AUSFTA, like threats to GM food labeling, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and giving corporations the right to sue governments over trade agreement rules.

Read on to find out more