Both the Australian Workers Unions and the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union are lobbying the Australian government to restrict exports through export licenses. The concern is over foreign shareholders in Australian companies using their influence to increase production and thereby drive export prices down. The unions contend that the protectionist measure would save jobs and communities. The Australian Trade Minister has thus far refused union suggestions, saying "we will not interfere with commercial and contractual negotiations," and standing firmly behind free trade.
See "Unions demand export licences to be reintroduced", Brad Norington and Amanda O'Brien, The Australian, February 18, 2009