Businesses protected behind high tariffs and non-tariff barriers would become much less competitive. As a result, these businesses would produce goods of poorer quality at higher prices. The burden of paying for these goods would fall heaviest on the poor. And yet globaphobic demonstrators claim that they are the champions of the poor and dispossessed. This is a claim that cannot withstand scrutiny using the most elementary analysis.
Trade is a two-way street.
Erecting barriers to trade will damage Australia s ability to sustain and build export markets. We cannot shut the door to imports and still expect the world to buy from our own growers and manufacturers. Those concerned in particular about the fortunes of regional Australia should reflect on the fact that around one in four jobs in regional areas depend on exports, more than in the metropolitan areas. Regional Australia generates over half of Australia s exports. If we follow the lead of the globaphobes and turn our backs on the world, we will hurt those they claim to care most about.