Senator attacks state’s China deal

ALL federal Victorian Labor MPs should condemn the State Government’s non-legally binding agreement with China, Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says.

The senator said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement, that aims to create opportunities in the state for exports, education and investment, risks local jobs and was not in the interests of Australia or Victoria.

“Given the BRI provides a direct pathway to Chinese nationals to work in Victoria, it places Victorian jobs at risk,” Senator Henderson said. “As we contend with the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a more important time to stand up for Victorian jobs. Similarly, our economic sovereignty has never been more important.”

She called on federal Labor MPs in Victoria, including Corio MP Richard Marles, to oppose the BRI.

Mr Marles said transparency was key to the operation of government.

“I am not going to give (the Victorian State Government) advice, they can manage the state themselves,” Mr Marles told Sky News.

“The Belt and Road Initiative needs to be taken on a caseby-case basis and we do need to be proceeding with some caution in terms of how we approach this.

“There may be particular projects that stack up so Chinese investment makes sense.

“It’s a case of looking at each case on its merits.

“States have always had an interest in promoting their own trade investment.”

In October, Premier Daniel Andrews signed a second BRI deal with China, which agrees on areas of co-operation including increasing the involvement of Chinese companies in Victoria’s $100 billion infrastructure program.

Victoria and Beijing will also look to work together on future projects.