People the world over are concerned about trade agreements like the TPPA or the TIPP (the European/ American version of the same thing). There are movements in all of the countries who are lining up to sign up to the TPPA or similar agreements about the costs of these free trade agreements. "Free" here cannot under any circumstances be taken to mean trade at no cost!
In fact the costs are very high: higher costs of medicines, lower wages, and worse environmental outcomes and a loss of sovereignty (our capacity to make our own rules in our own country and live as we choose in a way that reflects our values).
Those against the TPPA are NOT against trade. The are worried about the hidden and undiscussed costs of secret trade agreements that commit us to things that may not work for us. They are concerned at the loss of democratic process.
Here are some of their concerns:
1) Why are we not able to debate this openly with all the information on
the table, as you would expect if we live in a functioning democracy?
2) Will the benefits outweigh the costs to average New Zealanders?
3) Why is the TPPA being negotiated in secret and what can we NOT see as a result of that?
4) What are the implications of large international corporations being able to sue our government for loss of earnings if they change laws (and this might include raising the minimum wage, or legislating to ensure businesses don't pollute or damage our capacity to be clean and green or 100% pure) in courts that are not NZ courts?
5) Who exactly will benefit from this and what is the evidence based on the results of previous free trade agreements?
Check out this comic strip from the Pencilsword to see an easy-to-read outline of the issues, or this Press article from some concerned doctors. If you prefer video then this two minute video gives you an outline.
This is likely to affect us in far reaching ways for many years to come. It is worth 10 minutes of your time to find out a little bit more. Check out this website for information about what you can do if you have concerns
A blog for discussing issues, telling stories, reviewing or highlighting events and to highlight the activities going on in other places that might be of interest to people living in Halswell.
Halswell Domain
View from the Model Engineers' site in the Halswell Domain
Well here we go, why on earth doesn't the media and blogs like this focus on the upside. LSAT I heard 5 billion trade dollars was worth having
ReplyDeleteClearly the govt will only agree to the deal if the benefits out weigh the costs. To address the 4 concerns in this blog post:
ReplyDelete1) Agreements like these have to be negotiated in secret initially until there is consensus. This is to protect businesses from speculator trading based on nothing of substance. This protects kiwi businesses! Once there is consensus the details go public. This can't be ratified outside of parliament so there will be public debate.
2) Why would the govt agree to one that doesn't benefit NZ? Why would they make themselves hated and unvote-able next election? What gain do they get?
3) Same as (1)
4) Foreign organisations ALREADY can sue the govt for these reasons under existing legislation. And rightfully so. It also means that Kiwi businesses can sue other govts if they change their laws in a way that discriminates against them. This is vital to protect our exporters!
5) The NZ economy benefits. And we cannot prosper with out a good economy. Small issues such as medicine costs increasing are just that - minor. These costs will not be paid by the end consumer, rather the govt will cover these costs using the increased revenue from tax.
To finish my little rant here, I see it as very clear that if the TPPA agreement is rubbish for NZ that the govt won't go with it. But it is likely to open up markets for our exporters - and we as a small island nation rely on exporting our quality goods!
Just a note to the author: I think it's awesome you run this blog (and Facebook page), its great to have people like you actively promoting our community. Its also awesome you have an interest in govt matters and NZ, and that you encourage debate. I think you may not realise that many residents of our Halswell community think that the TPPA could be a good thing deal and support the negotiations (you've previously claimed in FB that 90% oppose it which is based on a bias, unscientific poll). Not saying don't post about it, but just to keep in mind the variety of political stances of Halswell and that community blogs and websites should acknowledge that. Keep up the good work! -Rob :)