Call for release of secret Trans-Pacific Trade text

Media Release Thursday December 5, 2013

Australian Senate and consumers call for release of secret Trans-Pacific Trade text

“The Australian Senate yesterday passed a motion supported by Greens and the ALP calling on the Government to release the TPP text before it is signed. The consumer group Choice has collected 11,000 signatures calling for the release of the text,” Dr Patricia Ranald, Convenor of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network, said today.

“These calls come as secret bilateral talks are taking place between the 12 TPP Ministers leading up to their own meeting to try to strike a deal on the TPP in Singapore on December 7-10, ” said Dr Ranald.

Dr Ranald is currently in Bali at the World Trade Organisation meetings and will also observe the Singapore talks.

“The Australian Government has said it is prepared to negotiate on issues like the right of foreign investors to sue governments for damages over Australian laws, in order to reach a deal. This is unacceptable, because it would trade away our democracy and sovereignty,” said Dr Ranald.

“Australians want to see exactly what has been agreed before the TPP is signed. We call upon the Minister not to trade off Australia democracy and sovereignty and to release the text for public and parliamentary debate before it is signed.

ENDS

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