The Trans Pacific Partnership: first hearing

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will commence its process of examining the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) on behalf of the Parliament at a public hearing on Monday in Canberra.

Acting Chair of JSCOT, the Hon Kelvin Thomson MP, said the TPP has been promoted as the world’s most significant trade and investment agreement, with the signatories making up 40 per cent of the world’s GDP, and needed to be considered carefully.

“The TPP is comprehensive and complex, involving 12 countries and covering a wide range of areas from labour mobility to pharmaceutical patents,” Mr Thomson said.

“The Committee will be taking a thorough look at the TPP to make sure it is in the best interests of Australians and will provide its recommendations as to whether or not we should take binding treaty action.”

Mr Thomson said JSCOT will be conducting a comprehensive consultation process, with the first hearing allowing the Australian Government to present the case for the ratification of the TPP.

“Once this first hearing is complete, it is expected that JSCOT will travel to State capitals and regional Australia to ensure we have a diverse range of views before reporting to the Parliament.” he said.

Public Hearing Details:
Time: 11.10AM – 1.00PM
Date: Monday, 22 February 2016
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra
Live Webcast (Audio only)

Further information, as well as details for those wishing to make a submission in to the inquiry on the TPP, can be found on the JSCOT website. All submissions are due by Friday, 11 March 2016.

Alternatively, interested parties may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (02) 6277 4002.

ends