Trading away public health?

Health issues in the Trans-Pacific Partnership

free trade agreement

Public meeting 12:30-1.30 PM, Thursday, September 1

Jubilee room, New South Wales Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney

The Australian government is negotiating a Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement with the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

But the agenda on health issues is being set by giant US corporations.

Leaked US documents reveal that pharmaceutical companies are demanding higher prices for medicines through changes to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and more rights to delay access to cheaper generic medicines. US tobacco companies like Philip Morris are demanding the right to sue governments over proposed tobacco plain packaging legislation. Negotiations are continuing in September. We must urge our government to stand by its policies and refuse these demands.

Speakers include:

• Dr Debra Gleeson, Public Health Association of Australia.
• Dr Patricia Ranald, Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network
• A representative of the National Association of People Living with HIV AIDS

The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network will be launching a leaflet explaining the issues and what you can do about them.

Please RSVP by cob August 31 to Harvey Purse campaign@aftinet.org.au ph 02 9212 7242