Coalition MP backs Labor on China deal

A Liberal-National Party MP has backed Labor's call for the China free trade agreement to include better protections for Australian workers.

Queensland MP George Christensen said the labour market testing process flagged by the opposition on Tuesday would restore public confidence that jobs on major projects by foreign investors would be first offered to Australian workers.

"If we need to duplicate the process so Bill Shorten can feel relevant and get out of the corner he's painted himself into, then let's humour him so we can move on and open the door for greater trade and job opportunities," Mr Christensen said in a statement on Wednesday.