Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

It is obvious that this is a hypothetical question. It asked about something that may happen and about an outcome that has not yet been concluded. The government have made clear in its trade policy statement that Australia is committed to transparency in our trade negotiations. On the TPP, we are providing regular briefings on progress in negotiations and are continuing to consult closely with stakeholders. As is normal practice in trade negotiations, the parties have agreed to keep negotiating text confidential. Releasing text therefore would require the agreement of all parties. Even if it were possible, it would not assist informed public debate to release heavily bracketed negotiating text that often includes ambit claims and remains very much a work in progress. (Time expired)