Past is not the future for trade

On the table for the TPPA are issues such as investment provisions and intellectual property.  Clauses that could have large negative impacts on Australian industries and people the same way the Australia -US free trade agreement did. The Australian people deserve more of a look and a public debate on these clauses before they are signed off on by the Government.

The Greens also want all future Governments to provide parliament before negotiations start a statement setting out the anticipated costs and benefits of new trade agreements. This way the public can be part of a dialogue on the implications of trade agreements. The Greens have pressed the Government on this and they have agreed to develop a proposal for this to occur. 

Trade agreements shouldn’t be treated as diplomatic instruments with accompanying press opportunities to be wheeled out when convenient - they have serious implications for Australia.  Australians deserve to see analysis on what social, environmental and economic impacts these agreements may have on them and their community.

If the Coalition is to win Government in September I hope Ms Bishop reconsiders her statement about the Howard Government leading some golden era in trade agreements that we should go back to. There is most definitely room to improve through increased transparency and analysis, to ensure the trade -offs in agreements are appropriately recognised and discussed by the wider community.