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A Supplementary Submission On The Commonwealth's Treaty-Making Process, Matthew Rimmer

Matthew Rimmer

This supplementary submission highlights two new developments, which have arisen since the initial submission. First, it considers the publication of the draft Investment Chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by WikiLeaks. Second, it looks at the introduction of the fast-track trade promotion authority bill, the Bipartisan Congressional Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, into the United States Congress. The two topics have been inter-linked to a certain extent.

The Commonwealth's Treaty-Making Process, Matthew Rimmer

Matthew Rimmer

Considering both the situation in Australia and the United States, the Commonwealth’s Treaty-Making Process is broken. There have been significant problems in respect of transparency, public participation, empirical analysis, and parliamentary oversight. In addition, there has been a concern that the Commonwealth’s Treaty-Making Process has failed to adequately address matters of fair trade. In particular, there is a need to engage a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of international agreements upon the environment, public health, labor rights, and human rights. Such problems have been particularly pronounced during the negotiations over the regional trade agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Having participated in …

Trojan Horse Clauses: Investor-State Dispute Settlement. A Submission To The Australian Parliament., Matthew Rimmer

Matthew Rimmer

‘The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) proposes to freeze into a binding trade agreement many of the worst features of the worst laws in the TPP countries, making needed reforms extremely difficult if not impossible. The investor state dispute resolution mechanisms should not be shrouded in mystery to the general public, while the same provisions are routinely discussed with advisors to big corporations.’ Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics

‘Investment arbitration as currently constituted is not a fair, independent, and balanced method for the resolution of disputes between sovereign nations and private investors.’ Retired Justice Elizabeth Evatt and leading jurists

‘Opening …