Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Poll finds 75% want independent analysis on TPPA-11
Poll finds 75% of New Zealanders want independent
analysis on TPPA-11 before it’s signed
Media
release: ActionStation
A new poll shows that 75% of
New Zealanders want independent analysis on the revised TPPA
agreement before the government signs it.
“The results overwhelming show the
public support for the government to take a second,
independent, look at the agreement before they sign us up to
a deal which could restrict the ability of our government to
make laws in the public interest” says ActionStation
spokesperson Rick Zwaan.
The polling
was crowdfunded by hundreds of members of the ActionStation
community who remain concerned about the agreement and was
conducted between 19th and 26th of February by independent
research company UMR.
“We’re
pleased the government has released analysis conducted by
MFAT ahead of signing the deal but many experts have
critiqued that analysis and found similar flaws to thoseas
that the Labour Party criticised during the orginal TPPA
debate. In order for the public to have confidence in what
the government plans to sign us up to they must commission
an independent analysis of the agreement.”
“It’s crucial that we know exactly what the impact of this agreement will have on our health system, world leading Pharmac model, our ability to create effective laws to ensure a safe climate future, and people’s jobs and livelihoods.”
“For example the Council of Trade Unions Economist, Bill Rosenberg, has highlighted how MFAT’s analysis assumes that anyone who loses their job because of this trade deal will immediately be reemployed. All the evidence, and common sense, shows that’s not realistic. This flaw is just one example of why we need independent analysis on the agreement.”
“Anyone buying a car wouldn’t
just take the salespersons’ word for it, you’d get a
mechanic to take a second look before handing over the cash.
Why wouldn’t we do the same thing before signing a far
more significant agreement?”
“We
hope Trade Minister David Parker acknowledges the vast
public concern and commissions independent analysis of the
agreement” concludes Mr
Zwaan.
Details of the
poll:
The poll was crowdfunded by
ActionStation members and conducted between 19th to 26th of
February by independent research firm UMR. A representative
sample of New Zealanders 18 and older were asked:
“As you may be aware, the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, sometimes called the
TPPA for short, is an international trade agreement that the
government has recently re-negotiated with other countries.
Even though it may carry some cost, and take some time, in
general do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat
oppose or strongly oppose the government getting an
independent analysis of the agreement before signing
it?”
ActionStation
Our mission is to tautoko (support) and whakamana (uplift) everyday New Zealanders to act together in powerful and coordinated ways to create what we cannot achieve on our own: a society, economy and democracy that serves all of us - everyday people and Papatūānuku, the planet we love.
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Labour Party: Public Transport Costs To Double As National Looks At Unaffordable Roading Project Instead
The Treasury: New Paper On A Framework For Assessing The Economic And Fiscal Impacts Of Climate Change
Government: Pet Bonds A Win/Win For Renters And Landlords
Government: New Zealand Condemns Iranian Strikes
Environmental Defence Society: Calls For Fast-track Approvals Bill To Be Abandoned In Submission To Select Committee
Government: Roads Of National Significance Planning Underway
