The TPP – A ‘Treacherous Political Process’ – Trading Away Australia’s Sovereignty?

Behind the lofty language of partnership, and the stated goal of stimulating trade, it aims to strengthen multinationals at the expense of nearly everyone else. Most dangerously it undermines governments everywhere. Local entrepreneurship, consumer health, assets, clean air, water and more is at risk. Welcome to the TPP.

I called again this morning for clarity – the same question I have been asking the Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb’s office for over a year: Has the Minister actually READ the detail in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) document?

The office will get back to me, but so far, the answer has always been the same: “Mr Robb remains fully engaged with the negotiating process including on all chapters of the treaty.”

‘Engaged in the process‘?  I can only conclude now that the Minister has NOT read the detail. So who is actually negotiating and reading the deal on behalf of 23 million Australians?

Secrecy – Journalists Persona Non Grata

When CHOICE had a meeting with DFAT in late October 2013, they said journalists were not there to ask questions – as Journalists were “ineligible” to attend TPP briefings. However, they were told the IP chapter of the TPP was still being drafted (reported here), and that Australia would oppose any agreement that sought to extend IP measures beyond our “domestic settings”. (Full report here)

Government could be sued by companies for making law in the public interest

Leaked chapters of the TPP indicate that the agreement may contain an investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clause, which allows foreign corporations to sue Australia’s government for loss of future profits. While the previous Australian government said that an ISDS provision would be a deal-breaker, the Coalition has previously indicated that it may consider signing the TPP with an ISDS clause (though there are indications that there may be a change in their position).

Closed Door Treachery?

We should take into consideration the following:

• The TPP is shrouded in secrecy. Negotiations happen behind closed doors (in addition to negotiator non-disclosure agreements).
• It seems only 5 of the 29 chapters are to do with trade.
• Corporate entities are at the negotiating table – and many politicians are not.

We also understand the rules at play:

• Powerful corporate entities have a hunger for growth and domination that is insatiable.
• They will achieve their ends within, above or outside the law if they have to, and
• Secrecy is a powerful mechanism to lock out dissenting populations.

It is obvious that secrecy advantages those corporate entities around the negotiation table – where their dealings, ambitions and agendas remain undisclosed.

In the ‘Key interests and benefits‘ as described on the DFAT website, the focus is on stronger economic links, trading opportunities for “Australian goods to be used in manufacturing and production processes in the region”, access to these new markets. enhanced access for service suppliers, and outcomes on electronic commerce.

On the surface it seems DFAT is working hard for our interests. They probably are. But they are in the (boxing) ring fighting with the heavyweight multinationals that have huge sums of money and resources on their side. Minister Robb is like a Featherweight (9 stone) against these Heavyweights (14 stone). And you can be sure – the Heavyweights will win every time. It is just a matter of how many rounds our politicians can dance around before being knocked out. So maybe, behind closed doors, Mr Robb is putting up a brave fight in this contest.

Crisis And Approval By Stealth?

Dave Hodges reports on how the The Baltic Dry Index has hit rock bottom. The BDI is assessing the movement of major raw materials by sea, and he questions whether the backlog of ships is a crisis being done on purpose – as a form of economic warfare – designed to strong-arm the American people to approve the Trans Pacific Partnership. He writes:

‘This is the economic end-game which will permit these multinational corporations to become nation-states across the planet.’ And…

‘While the United States is fully preoccupied with global crises ranging from the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and the conflict in Ukraine, there is another development (The TPP) on the world stage which threatens the economic health of every single American and American based business. (Do we add Australian?)’

The same old ‘Problem – Reaction – Solution’.

Protests in Tokyo

Covert Control?

These could be the explanations for the document to be negotiated in secret:

1. Our politicians need to make bold visionary decisions, and consulting the people will muddy negotiations and diminish the benefits for the Australian people.  

2. Our politicians are being baited (to get) and railroaded (to give up) in a deceptive campaign to provide elite corporations legal and economic advantage.

3. Our politicians are colluding against the Australian people to give a few elite corporations extraordinary powers and advantage (in perpetuity).

From outside the locked door – it seems the TPP is a legal construction for covert control of our future. Advantages and prosperity slogans are advertised, but is this a case of paying Peter to rob Paul. In other words – get a little – lose a lot. If so, this could be degrees of treachery. But this accusation would easily dissolve if the document were to be open for inspection and proved to benefit all, and no threat to our sovereignty.

Treason?

A general definition: “the crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government.”

IF it were later revealed that the TPP was designed to override (overthrow)  Australian sovereignty, there would be no other word befitting a politician and government that supported the non-disclosure and secrecy surrounding the negotiating of the TPP.

In the case of Minister Andrew Robb: He may in fact be locked out from the detail (as politicians in Chile claim to be). It maybe embarrassing and stressful to hold the position of Minister of Trade, yet be rendered essentially powerless by shadow corporate entities pulling the strings – allowing the Minister to only “engage in the process”, but not the detail.

If this were the case – and the Minister was truly honest about the process, explaining to the Australian public that his hands were tied (so to speak) – this would be a revelation. The true nature and power of government would be instantly revealed. Many believe that Canberra is presently inept and impotent – but some honesty with the Australian public could turn that around.

Thus, the questions I have asked DFAT, I believe, are important.

1. Has Mr Robb actually read the full text of the TPP?
2. Has Minister Robb been ‘allowed’ to see the draft agreement? I.e. Has his office ever been in possession of the drafts and chapters of the TPP? And
3. Who is actually negotiating the detail of the TPP (on Australia’s behalf)?

I will gladly update this post when I receive an answer.

Re-post of GetUp’s film.