Stirling Griff (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Patrick, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 18 September 2018:

  The proposed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, with particular reference to:

(a) Australia's economy and trade;

(b) Australia's domestic labour market testing obligations and laws regarding wages, conditions and entitlements of Australian workers and temporary work visa holders;

(c) Australian investment;

(d) the effect of Investor-State Dispute Settlement provisions;

(e) Australia's health, environmental, social and cultural policies, including regulation of essential services;

(f) rights for consumers; and

(g) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not consider this reference to be necessary. When the TPP-11 treaty was tabled in parliament on 26 March 2018, it was accompanied by a national interest analysis that addressed issues identified in the proposed terms of reference. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties examined the original Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and recommended that Australia ratify the treaty in its report of 30 November 2016. The TPP-11 has been referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, whose thorough examination will consider all relevant issues, including those in the proposed terms of reference.

Question agreed to.