MORE than 100 people came out on a frosty Canberra evening last night to discuss the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership with leading trade experts and Labor MPs.

The gathering, convened by Labor’s International & Legal Caucus Committee, was part of a Labor program to create a dialogue with the community on significant issues.

Committee chair Alannah MacTiernan said it was the first in a series of events around the country to explore the implications of the proposed TPP with the community.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Investment Dr Jim Chalmers, who spoke at the event, said it was great to see the community so keen to understand the complex issues at play in the TPP.

“We need a full and proper discussion of the merits of any agreement so that we can come to an on-balance assessment of the deal and decide whether it’s in Australia’s national interest,” he said.

Federal Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann, who hosted the event, said it was an extraordinary turnout and shows the ACT community is keen to gain a better understanding of the TPP.

Labor’s next TPP community forum will be held in Melbourne in early July.