Unions and aid organisations are opposing a secret trade deal between Australia and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed multilateral trade deal encompassing 30% of the world’s population. It is slated to be signed via hologram on the 14th of November 2020.  

The trade deal seeks to open up regional economies to trade and investment. However, it has been criticised  for favouring corporations ahead of people and planet. 

Aid organisation ActionAid has said that RCEP would “restrict government regulation in the public interest… and limit access to crucial public services”. 

It also contains no protections for workers’ rights or the environment. 

As part of its campaign against RCEP, ActionAid is conducting a photo petition to present to world leaders in the lead up to the summit. 

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association support’s ActionAid’s efforts to oppose RCEP, including its planned photo petition. To get involved, visit their website.