PM’S new laws to target Chinese influence

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison is set to unveil an crackdown on Chinese influence, with new powers reaching all the way down to state and local government and universities.

In unprecedented laws aimed squarely at cracking down on Chinese influence, any agreements entered into by councils, state governments and universities with foreign countries must be vetted by the foreign affairs minister, who will also have the power to tear up existing contracts.

The laws will extend as far down as sister city agreements entered into between councils, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison stresses it is vital Australia “speaks with one voice”.

There have been increasing concerns over Chinese influence from Australian intelligence and security agencies in recent years, amid warnings that there are more spies active on domestic soil than during the Cold War.

There are more than 200 agreements the federal government is already aware of between foreign entities and state governments, councils and universities.

Once the legislation is passed, governments and universities will have six months to provide a stocktake of any such agreements, which will then be listed on a public register.

While aimed at limiting China’s foreign influence capabilities, it will not be limited to this, with agreements with Iran, Russia, Vietnam, India and others all to come under the proposed laws.

Premiers were briefed about national security concerns caused by some of these types of contracts at a recent briefing with the Prime Minister.