TPP poses threat to healthcare system

Documents leaked via WikiLeaks showed that the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will undermine Australia's universal healthcare system, pushing up the cost of medicine, according to media reports on Thursday.

The TPP is a US-led regional Pacific Rim regulatory investment treaty, negotiated in secret, encompassing approximately 40 percent of the world's GDP.

Documents leaked via WikiLeaks showed TPP countries will face a much greater risk of pharmaceutical companies taking legal action to contest government decisions. These actions relate to the list price and reimbursement of medicines, suggesting consumers will pay more while corporate profits will be protected.