From: "Nigel Waters" To: Subject: TPP Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:49:54 +1100 Trans-Pacific Partnership Section Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade We note the statement on your website at http://www.dfat.gov.au/fta/tpp/ that "Australia's decision to participate in the TPP in 2008 followed an extensive public consultation process". We further note the then Ministerial statement on 26 November 2008 which included the following: "We have ensured that we have provided extensive opportunities for public input from all segments of the Australian community on this proposed initiative. "I announced on 23 September that Australia would actively consider participation in the initiative. In October, public consultations were held with industry, business, academics and labour and community organisations, as well as with other government agencies, and State and Territory officials. "The consultations allowed us to hear directly from each of these sectors in our community on their views on AustraliaÕs possible participation." Please advise the way in which this (October 2008) consultation was advertised/notified, and the nature timing and extent of the any subsequent consultation process, and specifically what input has been received from civil society NGOs in any round of consultation? (we can see some NGO submissions published on your website) Also, a recent reply to an enquiry about the TPP from a coalition federal MP included the following statement: "In accordance with treaty making processes, there will be an opportunity for full public and Parliamentary discussion prior to the Government entering into any final agreement." Can you confirm if this is accurate. If so, what such opportunity will be and what is its likely timing? We had understood that free trade agreements could be committed to by the Executive without parliamentary approval. Thank you Nigel Waters Australian Privacy Foundation and Privacy International nigel@watersofthebay.com +61-(0)2 4981 0828 and +61-(0)407 230 342 http://www.privacy.org.au and http://www.privacyinternational.org/