About

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 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?

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.

• 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