Media Alert March 2014

Public Meeting in Newtown on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

6.30pm, Monday March 10

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Bedford St (Opposite Newtown Station)

Speakers include:

Dr Patricia Ranald, Convener, Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET)
Michael Whaites, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Isabel McIntosh, Lock the Gate Alliance
Simon Frew, Pirate Party

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) is a free trade agreement involving Australia, the US, and ten other countries. Negotiations are secretive and the agenda is being driven by US corporations. They want:

- Stronger patents on medicines leading to higher prices for medicines
- Special rights for foreign investors to sue governments over health and environmental laws
- Stronger copyrights laws which would cost schools and libraries more and restrict internet freedom
- Less Australian content in film and television

There is as yet no agreement to protect basic workers’ rights and no enforceable environmental protections.

This community-run public meeting aims to raise awareness about the TPP in the community and send a strong message to the government that there is rising public concern about the agreement.

ENDS

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