Canavan claims both parties oppose deal

Nationals leader Matt Canavan published an opinion piece in The Australian saying the Australia-EU trade deal would weaken Australia's sovereignty on climate policy and harm the steel industry and some farmers.

Canavan says Coalition is united against it

Canavan claimed both Nationals and Liberals oppose the deal. His colleague Bridget McKenzie told ABC Radio National the Coalition was absolutely united and Trade Minister Don Farrell would not find a senator willing to vote…

“Don Farrell can try all he likes to find a Coalition senator willing to vote for it. He won't because we are absolutely united.”

Some Liberals disagree with Canavan

Two Liberal senators told the ABC the proposed deal was better than the status quo and should be adopted. One cited the diplomatic importance at a time when the US was waging trade wars.

“As long as it's not a really bad free trade agreement, and I don't think it is, we should support it.”

Liberals say position not yet settled

Multiple senior Liberals told the ABC the matter had not been considered by shadow cabinet or discussed in the Coalition party room. That could only happen after scrutiny by parliament's joint standing committee on trade.

“You can't short-circuit that by writing an op-ed.”

Some Liberals see room to renegotiate

Some Liberals believe Trade Minister Don Farrell could renegotiate aspects of the deal. Two Liberals said the agreed position was opposed to the deal as it stands, subject to proper parliamentary and Coalition process.

Farrell says deal is final

Trade Minister Don Farrell told the ABC there is no room to renegotiate. The deal is done. He projected confidence the Senate will not block it, saying enough senators understand how important it is.

“There is no room … the deal is done.”

EU diplomats warn against rejection

One diplomat from an EU nation told the ABC it would be very damaging if Australia did not ratify the deal. European diplomats have directly lobbied Angus Taylor and other Liberals in recent weeks.

“There is no appetite to revisit this … the deal is done.”

Farrell attacks Nationals position

Farrell said it was clear the Nationals would vote against the deal. He accused them of choosing to block farmers from twenty-seven new export markets and lock in high tariffs on Australian businesses.

“At a time when Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, the National Party have chosen to block our farmers from 27 new export markets, lock in high tariffs on Aussie businesses, and kill local jobs.”

Committee scrutiny expected early next year

A joint parliamentary committee is expected to scrutinise the deal early next year. The deal's text was agreed between leaders this year but will not be signed until Australia and each EU member country complete…