Public Meeting in Newtown on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Press Release – AFTINET

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.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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