Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement to Address Major Issues

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="8nmD1QRDGYqq7yYBn4Nw5GsZu4BCcbK7"]

 The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) is concerned the final meeting of trade ministers for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will see major issues remain undecided, including parts of the agreement that will affect the cost of medicines and the ability of the Australian Government to protect the health of our population.

“In our Government’s haste to finalise the trade talks, will Australia’s affordable medicines and independent public health actions be traded off?” asks PHAA spokesperson Dr Deborah Gleeson.

“This is a high stakes game.  We know from leaked documents that the US is pushing for longer monopoly periods for pharmaceutical companies, and for restrictions on the ability of our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to contain costs.
“If our government accepts these proposals, the cost of medicines for ordinary Australians would increase significantly.  Pensioners and other people on low incomes would struggle to pay for medicines they need to stay well,” said Dr Gleeson.
While the Government has given some assurances about not accepting provisions that would undermine the PBS, it has also clearly stated that its priorities are concluding the deal quickly and achieving terms that are favourable to Australian exporters.
“The final stages of trade agreements are all about political bargaining.  The Government has already indicated it is prepared to negotiate provisions that would give foreign corporations new rights to sue our Government over its policies and laws.  This will have significant impacts on our abilities to enact effective public health strategies to protect our communities’ health,” said Dr Gleeson.
“Australia is a world leader in many areas of public health,” said Michael Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the PHAA.  “Tobacco plain packaging is a good example.  It will cost Australian lives if we accept rules in the TPP that prevent us from introducing innovative public health policies in future.
“As the talks wind up, protecting the health of Australians – as well as the more vulnerable people in developing nations - must be high on the list of our government’s priorities for the TPP,” said Mr Moore.
The final meeting of trade ministers for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is scheduled for 7-10 December in Singapore.