01 October 2013

Greens support push for TPP transparency

All New Zealanders that value democracy need to get behind an electronic petition calling for the release of the draft text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, Green Party trade spokesperson Dr Kennedy Graham said today.

Prominent New Zealand actors, musicians and media commentators are calling for the Government to release the draft text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

“It’s significant that so many prominent New Zealanders are willing to lend their voices to a larger campaign pushing for this to happen,” Dr Graham said.

“The Green Party considers that the TPP process needs to be transparent.

“New Zealanders need to know what deals, if any, John Key will try to cut while he is at the APEC meeting in Bali this weekend.

“So far New Zealanders have been told joining the TPP is in their interest.

“However when a small country is up against the might of the United States and the power of multi-national corporates it is entirely possible any deal done through the TPP will be skewed in those interests.

“The TPP is more than just another trade agreement,” said Dr Graham.

“The TPP has the ability to restrict the ability of future governments to legislate for the good of public health and the environment.

“It is likely the TPP will include provisions that will allow other countries or multinational corporations to sue New Zealand if they consider our laws don’t suit their needs.

“So far this agreement has been negotiated behind closed doors with a level of secrecy that is completely unacceptable in a democratic society,” Dr Graham said.

“In a democracy, people should have the right to know the detail of and have input into international agreements the Key Government is intending to sign us up to.”

Click here to go to the petition for release of the TPP text. The petition will run for six weeks, until 12 November, on www.itsnotright.org.nz.

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Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>