TPP deal to pass first hurdle next week

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is set to pass the first hurdle of parliament next week, as Labor is criticised for supporting the agreement.

Jason Clare

Opposition trade spokesman Jason Clare says Labor will support the Trans-Pacific Partnership. (AAP)

Draft laws to cement a massive Pacific trade deal look set to pass parliament with Labor's support.

Debate over the Trans-Pacific Partnership legislation will continue in the next sitting week of federal parliament.

Opposition trade spokesman Jason Clare says Labor will support the deal, despite gripes over provisions that could threaten local jobs and see foreign companies sue the government.

Labor says it will make changes to the deal if successful at the next federal election.

But Mr Clare said the agreement would increase exports by $29.9 billion, lift investment by $7.8 billion and boost Australia's national income by $15.6 billion by 2030.

"There's agreement it will provide relatively modest benefits in the short term, with potential for more significant economic gains in the long term if more countries in the region sign up," Mr Clare told parliament on Thursday.

Greens MP Adam Bandt, and independents Cathy McGowan, Bob Katter and Rebekha Sharkie condemned Labor for backing the deal without seeking to first fix its issues.

Ms Sharkie said unless the deal's significant flaws are addressed and independent economic analysis is provided, her Senate Central Alliance colleagues won't support it.


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Source: AAP



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