Signing the Trans Pacific free trade agreement has the potential to open up the government to further legal challenges said Greens’ health spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale.

“Phillip Morris’s challenge to the government’s plain packaging legislation is only possible because Australia has a Free Trade Agreement with Hong Kong that puts the interests of corporations ahead of the public interest,” said Senator Di Natale.

Australian Greens Senator and spokesperson for health Dr Richard Di Natale today criticised the Gillard government for taking alcohol tax reform off the agenda for the October tax forum. 

Health spokesperson for the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale, today said that the Government’s health reform package is a good first step but falls short of having a significant impact on the health of Australians.

“These reforms will clarify the funding relationship between Federal and State Governments for hospitals, and that’s a good thing,” Senator Di Natale said.