ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

NewsMail Afternoon Edition Tue 08 Apr, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » Government MP breaks ranks over free trade deal By political reporter Latika Bourke A Government MP has hit out at the trade deal struck by Prime Minister Tony Abbott with his Japanese counterpart, questioning the value of an agreement that does not have a "significant benefit for Australian agriculture." Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss says the free trade deal will disappoint some farmers, but should be seen as a "historic step forward" in the economic relationship between the two nations. But Queensland Liberal National MP George Christensen, who represents the sugar-growing region of Mackay, has told the ABC he is "disappointed there has been no improvement for the sugar industry" which he says "always seems to be on the outer" when it comes to free trade agreements. "A few sectors does not make up the entire agricultural industry. I wonder about the value of an FTA with any nation unless there's significant benefit for Australian agriculture," the Member for Dawson said. More » Underwater vessel ready for deployment in search for missing flight MH370 Peaches Geldof, daughter of Sir Bob Geldof, found dead Robert Hughes found guilty on further count of indecency Queensland Police take custody of man over death of French student Boys found wandering on highway after dad killed by train Protected forests to be opened up for logging in Tasmania as peace deal dismantled More Analysis » Micro-parties tap into dissatisfaction Despite nearly a quarter of Australians voting against the major parties, they choose to focus on side issues and avoid tackling the deeper malaise. They'd rather talk about kooky micro-parties and electoral reform, as if those parties aren't a symptom of the deeper failures of the majors. 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