|
.
The Multilateral Agreement on Investment
(MAI)
The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), will
LEGALISE and dramatically increase the capabilities of multinational companies to place
every Australian small business under the real threat of closure or take-over, but in most
cases, bankruptcy will be the result.
Australia's small businesses ARE the backbone of our economy
and one of the few remaining reliable sources of tax revenue, due to the multinational
companies paying little or no Australian taxes under the International Tax
Agreements Act 1953.
As Australia's tax base is increasingly dependent on small
business, one could be forgiven for asking 'Why doesn't the government protect Australia's
small businesses instead of being hell bent on sending them down the gurgler'.
Good question... if you are unaware of the ramifications of the MAI.
The consequence of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment
by the continued non-payment of tax by multinationals, the reduced tax revenue from small
business as a result of corporate take-over or decimation, to the reduction in the number
of 'pay-as-you-earn' or PAYE taxpayers through unemployment, it is conceivable that
Australia's entire current tax base, is threatened with total collapse.
The only solution, in the best interest of all Australia
companies and businesses, and all Australians, is the rejection in its entirety of the
Multilateral Agreement on Investment, the abolition of the International Tax Agreement Act
1953, and the implementation of:
ONE - just, fair, non-discriminatory and
EQUAL taxation system for ALL.
For further information on taxation see -
Tax Reform
The following are true and unfortunately only an example of
many such incidents occurring on a daily basis.
 In
Port Douglas, Far North Queensland, the Douglas Shire Council has opposed a project by a
multinational supermarket company to build a complex, which duplicates local businesses,
including a service station.
In
Cairns, Far North Queensland, the Cairns City Council has also opposed a multinational
supermarket company wishing to extend its operation to include a service station.
In
rural Victoria, a multinational supermarket company built an outlet for not only the
normal domestic commodities but also included a pharmacy and a service station. (Imagine
the effect on the local community, pharmacy and service station)
Under the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, Local, State
and Federal governments would be acting ILLEGALLY if they opposed such applications, even
for the purposes of protecting Australian companies or businesses. The multinationals
would be able to sue any Australian government or entity under clauses laid down in the
MAI.
The most concerning factor of the MAI, is that not only is
it NOT in the best interest of Australia, but also the major political parties have
IGNORED all concerns raised, apparently in their bi-partisan determination to go along
with the International Monetary Fund.
Let there be NO misunderstanding, there is not one industry;
agricultural, fishing, grazing, mining, primary or secondary, tourism, any national
resources etc, even the pharmacist, service station operator, butcher, baker and candle
stick maker, will be ELIMINATED as a viable Australian Owned supplier under the
Multilateral Agreement on Investment.
Australians will resent being taken for granted by
the political parties, with their attitude of non-accountability and non-representative
approach to the Australian People.
Australia must not be part of any agreement that grants
multinational corporations the same status as democratically elected governments and
favours the rights of the multinational corporations above those of the Australian People.
The Multilateral Agreement on Investment currently being
negotiated by the Australian government and the other 28 countries that form the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development does just that.
The
Multinational Agreement on Investment - DRAFT TEXT
Home
* Contact * INDEX *
Current Issues * Priority Issues *
Reference Index * Selwyn's
Profile * Your
Comments
HERE ARE THE FACTS - YOU BE THE
JUDGE
The following is only a selection of recommended available
material:
There are literally thousands of documents on the MAI, which
can be located by:
- selecting a search engine of your choice,
- enter, "Multilateral Agreement on Investment",
- then search.
As you will find, Australians are not alone, the
Multilateral Agreement on Investment is sounding alarm bells around the world. This is a
blatant attempt by multinational companies to manipulate democratically elected
governments so as to become entrenched and secure in the anticipated Globalisation of
International Economies.
Go to:
Is The MAI - DEAD?
| 
