SYDNEY -- It is fitting that an Australia-U.S. free-trade agreement should be signed the day Prime Minister John Howard celebrated 30 years in Federal Parliament. Both events mark historic steps in Australian politics and in a firm alliance with the United States.
The deal, still to be ratified by both Parliament and Congress for a Jan. 1 start, brings the Australian-U.S. economic relationship closer to par with the two nations' political and strategic ties.
Only an ousting of the Bush administration in November can scuttle what appears on paper to be a great deal for both Pacific partners. Already presidential contender Sen. John Kerry is making noises against free-trade deals that might hurt his voting constituency.