"Therefore we are in fact implementing a patent approach that is well supported by some of our largest trading partners. It is indeed unfortunate that Australia implemented changes to it's patent law as a consequence of the US Free Trade Agreement, as it has seen no benefit from that agreement.

"It would tend to indicate that changing our patent law to benefit US multinationals should at least wait until we have a solid Free Trade Agreement with the US Administration that delivers something of real bebefit to us, such as to cut subsidies to its dairy farmers and allow us to compete on a equal basis. There is little benefit to sacrificing any meager leverage we may have simply to get to the negotiation table."