Free Trade Agreements in Australia’s economy
1800 words (not including references)
Do free-trade agreements (FTA) generally benefit Australia’s economy? In this context, write a policy
report for the Australian Senate prognosticating the possible costs and benefits associated with the
Australia’s recently concluded FTA with China.
Please use the following format:
Executive Summary (ES)—
At the beginning of the report very briefly explain to the target audience the main points that it
should know. It is best to write this section last because it will serve as a summary of the entire
report. At a minimum, the summary should include the following:
1. Brief background information on the topic of the policy report
2. Main issues and the arguments and/or policy options to be considered
3. “Frame of reference” or main contextual aspects which you think are pertinent for
understanding/appraising your proposed argument or the course of action
4. Reasons for selecting that course of action.
Body of Paper (This is basically the main text. Instead of using the term ‘Body of Paper” you may like
to use any interesting subheading which encapsulates the topic; here I am using this term for your
understanding only. This is the section which comes after the ES)
• The main portion of the report should be dedicated to establishing the background and discussing the
reasoning behind your arguments and/or policy recommendations. You should include all of the basics
from the executive summary, but fully elaborate on each point that the report is making. The following
is an outline describing what the main body of the report may include:
Introduction
• Brief relevant information related to your chosen topic for the policy report.
Overview / Background (You do not have to use these terms. You can use any subheading which you think
will be appropriate)
• Context or the background of the information provided in the introduction
Statement of purpose – Why is/are the decision-maker/s being asked to consider the proposed policy
topic at this time?
• The frame of reference, main conceptual issues, or analytical variables which you think are pertinent
for understanding and analysing your chosen analytical policy report topic.
Discussion (Again, you do not have to use these terms. You can use any subheading which you think will
be appropriate)
• Pros and cons of each argument/policy option should be discussed next.
• Identify the relevant strategic, economic, and monetary implications for each argument/option.
• Each argument/policy option should be compared and contrasted to the other arguments/options as well
as to the current understanding or policy. This is the most important part of the report.
Conclusion and Recommendation (if you have any)
• The conclusion should summarize the main arguments provided in the “Body of Paper”.
• Reiterate your specific recommendation
Appendix
1. Bibliography