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