The text of the rebranded TPP was finalised on January 23, although the full text is still a secret. It will be made public after the deal is signed, which is set for March 8 in Chile.
The latest version appears to be a mess of separate deals cobbled together to meet issues raised by Canada and others. Australian Trade Minister Steve Ciobo is promoting this as ‘18 free trade agreements’. There are new side letters on cultural issues, automobile industry car access and labour rights issues.
While the Australian government is only releasing positive information about possible market access gains from the deal, we know that the text still includes restrictions on regulation of essential services and state-owned enterprises, rights for foreign investors to sue governments (ISDS), and no enforceable protections for labour rights or migrant workers.
Importantly, this is not a ‘done deal’ yet, as the parliament still must review the deal and consider the implementing legislation. We are campaigning for opposition and minor parties to demand the release of the full text, to organise a Senate inquiry, to commission an independent study on the real costs of the deal and to block the implementing legislation. Send a message to opposition Senators now, using our online form. Please share with your workmates and friends.
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