Dear LG Focus
Council elected members and staff should be concerned about the possible effects on local government of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement currently being negotiated between Australia and 11 Pacific Rim nations.
Whilst the government hopes that it will stimulate trade and economic growth, the TPP is being pushed by the US on behalf of its corporations, which primarily want uniform regulation across the region, rather than focussing on traditional trade issues
like tariffs.
There could be significant impacts on democracy and the rights of governments, including local government, to regulate in the interests of the community.
This is because of the probable inclusion of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) clauses, which will sit above the Australian court system and enable corporations to sue all levels of government for regulations and decisions that allegedly impact their profits or competitiveness.
For example a US company successfully sued a council in Mexico for $16.2 million over its refusal to grant a waste dump permit on the grounds that it would contaminate local water sources.
The exact details of the TPP are unknown because the text of trade agreements are secret until the negotiations are complete and the Department of Prime Minister and cabinet have signed off, with no public or parliamentary debate until the enabling legislation.
Despite the secrecy of details, leaked negotiating text has revealed many of the proposals.
Other potential impacts on councils include local government procurement, which will likely be opened up to international competition.
Policies that favour local service providers or have requirements for local employment, training or investment may no longer be possible.
Restrictions on internet downloads and extensions of copyright will increase costs for public and school libraries.
Many peak organisations are critical of the way that the negotiations are being conducted.
54 Australian rural groups have written to the trade minister opposing ISDS clauses over fears that the Victorian and NSW governments could be sued for reviewing coal seam gas extraction, as is occuring in Quebec.
The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET), which is comprised of 60 organisations, wrote to all mayors last year.
They and the Australian Services Union, which represent Council staff, are calling on councils to discuss the TPP and take any concerns that they may have to the Minister of Trade.
Kind Regards,
Ian Grosser
Councillor District Council of Mount Barker SA
Dear LG Focus,
I normally enjoy reading LG Focus however I thought that Rod Brown’s ‘The Good Oil’ piece in the February edition, which referenced ‘Phil the Greek’, was disrespectful.
Whether we are monarchist or republication, the Duke of Edinburgh should be referred to by his correct title and be recognised for his patronage of a number of organisations in Australia, particularly the long standing Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Regards
Graham Apthorpe
Director Corporate Services
Cowra Shire Council
