FTA: Where to now

AUSTRALIA-CHINA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: WHERE TO NOW TIMELINE

* Declaration of intent signed by Australian trade minister Andrew Robb and Chinese commerce minister Gao Hucheng on November 17, 2014.

* Agreement signed once both sides have completed legal review and translation.

* Text of agreement, accompanied by a national interest analysis, tabled in parliament for 20 joint sitting days.

* Joint houses treaties committee conducts an inquiry into the agreement and reports back to parliament.

* Government introduces legislation to parliament for its approval.

* China undertakes its own domestic treaty-making processes.

* Both countries exchange diplomatic notes to certify they are ready for the agreement to come into force.

* Agreement comes into force 30 days after exchange.