Palmer sued Western Australia’s government in the High Court and lost. But an obscure clause in a little-known trade agreement is giving him a second chance
For the EU, the recent trade deal with New Zealand is about a lot more than money. Climate change and expanding its role and influence well beyond European borders are major motivations.
Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Government modelling projects a mere 0.3% increase on current GDP when the NZ-UK free trade agreement comes into full force. Does that justify the concessions the deal makes?
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Australia’s usual approach to big international negotiations is to hold out, before reluctantly making “concessions”. It’s the wrong approach for trade, and the wrong approach for climate change.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement prevents signatories from tightening regulations, except in specified sectors — and aged care hasn’t been named as one of those exceptions.
Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
More countries, including a post-Brexit UK, are looking at joining the CPTPP free trade agreement. But the secrecy around negotiations makes serious analysis virtually impossible.
Kenya must pay more attention to the role of this agreement as an investment attraction vehicle and not just a simple tariff centred ‘traditional’ pact.
Viewed against the odds of success in getting 55 countries to foster meaningful regional integration, Africa has made commendable progress in crafting its own creative approach.