[LINK] Re: Impacts of the Free Trade Agreement Ch. 17 (IP)

[Roger Clarke]

               PLEASE POST TO APPROPRIATE LISTS

Here's the first opportunity for submissions opposing the IP aspects 
of the FTA.  The Government would of course like this to be our 
*only* opportunity.

The Joint Senate/HoR Committee on Treaties is to consider the US-FTA:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/usafta/index.htm

Submissions are required by 13 April 2004.

There appear to be no Terms of Reference for the Inquiry, apart from 
the Committee's overall ToR which are to "review and report on all 
treaty actions proposed by the Government before action is taken 
which binds Australia to the terms of the treaty".  Note carefully: 
despite the rhetoric used a few weeks ago, we are *not* in any way 
bound by the negotiations that Vaile conducted in the U.S. recently.

Short media release at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/usafta/pressrel.pdf

Hearings are scheduled in 10 cities between 19 April and 14 May:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/usafta/hearings.htm
Canberra appears to be reserved for Government and peak bodies

The Committee comprises 9 Government, 6 Labor and 1 Democrat.

An ad is scheduled to appear in The Australian tomorrow, Wed 17 March.


My draft background paper is at:
http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/II/FTA17.html

-- 
Roger Clarke              http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/
			            
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Visiting Professor in the eCommerce Program, University of Hong Kong
Visiting Professor in the Baker Cyberspace Law & Policy Centre, U.N.S.W
Visiting Fellow in Computer Science, Australian National University