The secretive Trans-Pacific Partnership could prevent the adoption of some pharmaceutical legislation in developing countries, WikiLeaks analysis of a leaked draft text claims.
The latest leak was published on Wednesday, revealing negotiations between the US, Australia and 10 other countries that make up about 40 per cent of the global economy.
Australian lecturer of public health at La Trobe University, Dr Deborah Gleeson, said the text revealed late-stage negotiations on the TPP with “little to be negotiated”.
Dr Gleeson has previously been outspoken about her fears that the TPP could reduce government control over Australia’s health system.
The WikiLeaks website has published an analysis by Dr Gleeson that says the latest text was less intrusive than the US proposal in 2011, but said major problems still remain.
“It could also constrain the options of developing countries in introducing pharmaceutical coverage programs in future,” Dr Gleeson said.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb has said the final TPP agreement would contain protections for Australia.
The government and groups in favour of the TPP say it could open trade opportunities for Australia around the world, by levelling the playing field for Australian companies.
An Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) agreement could help Australian companies invest in countries that might change their laws in future, but many have expressed fears foreign companies could do the same to Australia.
Australia has a free trade agreement with the US, but it does not include an ISDS agreement.
Governments around the world, including Coalition and Labor governments, have declined to release details about the TPP.
The government said it had addressed transparency by consulting interested parties concerning the TPP negotiations.
However, many of those groups told SBS they felt no more informed after the consultations had taken place, and that most insights came from WikiLeaks.
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