Every day in our media, our workplaces and from our governments we hear more about how the global economy is changing the way things work. But what is actually changing? Why are these changes happening? And what impacts are these changes having on our lives?

The truth is that few of us know the answers to those questions. While some like to argue that the global economy is inevitable, it is actually taking shape through policies and agreements made by individuals and institutions. In fact many of the decisions are made by government bureaucrats and corporate lawyers behind closed doors. The truth is many parliamentarians dont know most of the details either.

Driving the world economy is the World Trade Organisation (WTO) the most powerful organisation in the world, with rules that can override elected parliaments in almost every country. WTO agreements increasingly reach into every part of our lives, yet most of us know little about them.

This guide has been produced to help Australians understand what is happening to our economy and that of almost every other country in the 21st century. Discuss it in your workplace, your household and your community.

It aims to open a window of accountability on to the decision making that will bring with it a gust of democratic fresh air. By understanding what is going on Australians can make educated choices about the type of world they want to see, and take action to help create that world.

Download The Booklet

The World Trade Organisation - An Australian Guide Part 1 (322kb)

The World Trade Organisation - An Australian Guide Part 2 (299kb)