Calls for TPP hearing fall on deaf ears

Supporters of a petition calling for a select committee hearing into the implications of a Trans Pacific Partnership are disappointed that only one of those who signed it will be able to present additional written information to the committee.

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly, who as the first signatory on the petition has been given the opportunity to present that information, said the decision by the foreign affairs defence and trade select committee reinforced criticism that the government was not allowing the informed public scrutiny of the agreement before the deal is signed.

‘We have many concerns about the effects of the proposed agreement, including on the cost of health care and public health such as tobacco control, development of well paid jobs through use of government buying power to favour local firms, and the powers it gives to overseas investors to sue the government,” Ms Kelly said.

Robert Reid, who signed the petition on behalf of the National Distribution Union, said a full hearing would have been an opportunity for those who support the agreement to make their case and for those with concerns to be heard before the negotiations went any further.

“Once again our members and the people of New Zealand are being denied any say into a trade agreement that is being negotiated in their name.”

Mr Reid wanted to explain to the select committee why his organisation opposed the agreement.

“Free trade brings no benefits to our members and this one will strengthen the hands of foreign investors at the expense of New Zealand manufacturing and services firms.’

He urged the government to refocus its priorities and develop a real economic strategy to address the economic stagnation and growing jobs crisis.

Other groups that signed the petition included Oxfam, the New Zealand Public Health Association, the New Zealand Society of Authors, ICT group NZ Rise, and the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa.

Chairman of the foreign affairs defence and trade select committee John Hayes could not be reached for comment.