Government needs to heed Harper’s warnings on trade deal approach

The Greens spokesperson for Trade, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, has backed the recommendation within the Harper Review into competition policy that calls for an “Independent and transparent analysis of the costs and benefits to Australia of any proposed IP provisions in trade negotiations [to] be undertaken to inform international trade negotiations”.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “Trade Minister, Andrew Robb, labels anyone who criticises his approach to trade deals as an anti-trade scaremonger. Well now he can add Ian Harper to his list of scaremongers.

“Ian Harper and his panel have effectively criticised the current approach the Government is taking to negotiating Intellectual Property (IP) provisions in trade deals.

“Harper has recommended an independent review should be carried out to investigate the Australian Government processes used to establish negotiating mandates for IP provisions.

“Australia is just weeks away from potentially signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which would rewrite our Intellectual Property laws around patents and copyrights.

“Harper has said each new trade agreement should be informed by an independent and transparent analysis of the costs and benefits to Australia of any proposed Intellectual Property provisions.

“Furthermore he said the analysis should be undertaken and published before negotiations are concluded.

“Changes to Australia’s Intellectual Property laws could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions each year, particularly through rises in the price of medicines.

“Andrew Robb must immediately commit to undertaking a fully transparent cost-benefit analysis of the IP provisions in the TPP, well before it is signed,” he concluded.
Greens spokesperson for Trade, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson Media Release. Pic: Trade Minister Andrew Robb