Media Release

AUSTRALIAN Party Federal Leader Bob Katter has warned that Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s touting of free trade at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting business forum last night had made her the laughing stock of our country – as well as the rest of the world.

"Unfortunately our manufacturing, agriculturalists and even our mineral processers are screaming in pain while the rest of the country is screaming with laughter at the stupidity of these statements," said the Federal Member for Kennedy.

"To quote the great Trevor Sykes, we remain one of the only virgins in the brothel.

"And let me be specific: The OECD report shows, year after year, a 40 per cent subsidy tariff level of protection in world agriculture while Australia is at 4 per cent.

"The only other country with us in not having protection – and they’re hardly a great example for anyone – is New Zealand.

"Well, colonial Spock-marks are flashing neon lights."