The Times Australia
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:38:12 AM
The Times Australia

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Morrison government set to target Victorian ‘belt and road’ agreement under sweeping new legislation

  • Written by Michelle Grattan


The Morrison government will introduce legislation to enable it to review and cancel agreements state, territory and local governments and public universities have entered with foreign governments.

The legislation, if passed, can be expected to lead to the Victorian government’s “belt and road” agreement with China being quashed, and will put up in the air many university arrangements.

Scott Morrison has been highly critical of the Victorian deal, saying Belt and Road is not a program the federal government has signed up to and states should not be acting in ways inconsistent with Australian government policy.

The dramatic move reflects increasing concern about Chinese influence and interference, although the legislation would apply to agreements with any foreign government.

Get your news from people who know what they’re talking about.

Under the legislation, the foreign minister will be given the power to stop proposed arrangements and cancel existing ones with foreign governments when they were considered against Australia’s national interest.

There will also be a public register to make agreements transparent.

Current arrangements are prolific. They include agreements for co-operation on cultural matters, education, health, the public sector, science, tourism, environmental management, and trade and economics. There are also sister city and state relationships.

The move will further deepen the tension between Australia and China. It comes as the deputy head of mission at China’s embassy in Australia, Wang Xining, accused Australia of hurting the feelings of the Chinese people in pressing for an inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus.

“All of a sudden, they heard this shocking news of a proposal coming from Australia, which is supposed to be a good friend of China,” he told the National Press Club on Wednesday.

“We believe this proposal was targeted against China alone, because during that time Australian ministers claimed that the virus originated from Wuhan, from China, and they did not pinpoint any other places as a possible source,” he said. “We don’t think it was fair.”

Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement: “The Commonwealth government has exclusive responsibility for conducting Australia’s foreign affairs. However, state and territory governments and their entities currently also enter into arrangements with foreign governments in a range of areas – from trade and economic cooperation to cultural collaboration and university research partnerships – without having to inform the Commonwealth.

"This legislation will support state and territory governments to ensure they are acting in a way that serves Australia’s national interests, is consistent with our values and aligned with our foreign policy objectives.”

The legislation will be introduced next week and the government wants it passed this year.

Morrison said he had recently arranged for all premiers and chief ministers to receive a comprehensive briefing on national security.

“It is vital that when it comes to Australia’s dealings with the rest of the world we speak with one voice and work to one plan,” he said.

“Australians rightly expect the federal government they elect to set foreign policy. These changes and new laws will ensure that every arrangement done by any Australian government at any level now lines up with how we are working to protect and promote Australia’s national interest.

"While many agreements and partnerships are of a routine nature, it is important that the federal government is notified of all and any agreements, be they state and local governments, or our universities.

"Where any of these agreements undermine how the federal government is protecting and promoting our national interests they can [be] cancelled.”

The legislation will cover written foreign arrangements that are legally binding under Australian law, legally binding under foreign law, or non-legally binding (such as a memorandum of understanding).

It will not apply to commercial corporations and state-owned enterprises. Nor will it apply to foreign universities, unless they are arms of a foreign government, such as government military universities.

The test the foreign minister will apply will ask:

  • Does the arrangement adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations?

  • Is the arrangement inconsistent with Australian foreign policy?

Within six months of the legislation coming into force states, territories, councils and universities will have to notify the government of their arrangements with foreign governments.

The foreign affairs department will review existing and proposed arrangements, and advise the minister of their implications for foreign policy and foreign relations.

If the arrangement fails the national interest test, the foreign minister will be able to stop the entity from negotiating, entering, remaining in, or giving effect to the agreement.

The minister will be able to terminate private contracts related to the main arrangement – for example an infrastructure construction contact resulting from the Victorian Belt and Road agreement.

If necessary the government could obtain an injunction in the Federal Court or High Court to enforce the foreign minister’s decision.

Payne said: “It is vital for Australia’s prosperity, security and sovereignty that our foreign policy is driven by our national interest.

"There is currently no legislative requirement, nor clear understanding, that states and territories consult properly with the Commonwealth on arrangements with foreign governments.

"These changes will provide governments, institutions and the Australian people with confidence that due diligence is given to international arrangements to ensure they are consistent with our national interest and our values.”

This article first appeared in The Conversation. It is republished with permission.

How Sydney’s cultural festivals cultivate a sense of hope and optimism for Australia’s future

Multiculturalism is central to Australia’s identity, with more than half the population[1] coming from overseas ...

The Times Features

Ocean Lovers Festival 2025: A Citywide Celebration of Ocean Conservation and Culture

Sydney, January 2025 – Australia’s largest cultural and science event dedicated to the ocean, the Ocean Lovers Festival, is back for its fifth year with an even bigger splash! ...

Top 5 Benefits of Wearing Hi Vis Shirts on the Job

The workplace should be safe for the employees. It is not something optional, it is the need. When workers need to work in hazardous environments, then they have to wear hi vis s...

Delicious and Healthy Vitamix Recipes for Optimal Nutrition

🍏🥦 Enjoy tasty Vitamix recipes packed with nutrients for optimum health. Healthy eating 🥕🍓 made fun & delicious! 💪🍹 #Nutrition #VitamixRecipes Healthy Eating and Optimal Nutri...

Essential Summer Tree Care Tips for Australian Homes

Caring for trees during the summer months can be challenging, especially in Australia, where the heat and dry conditions can take a toll on tree health. Proper tree care is essen...

Steven Khalil, set to bring international glamour to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

Australian couturier, Steven Khalil, will present a sixty-look collection for PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Grand Showcase on Friday 7 March at Royal Exhibition Building...

Foxtel Group and World Surf League extend partnership into 2025

Foxtel Group has announced the renewal of its broadcast rights deal with the World Surf League (WSL), extending the long-standing, 17-year partnership through 2025. The renewal...

Times Magazine

How 32-Inch Computer Monitors Can Increase Your Workflow

With the near-constant usage of technology around the world today, ergonomics have become crucial in business. Moving to 32 inch computer monitors is perhaps one of the best and most valuable improvements you can possibly implement. This-sized moni...

Top Tips for Finding a Great Florist for Your Sydney Wedding

While the choice of wedding venue does much of the heavy lifting when it comes to wowing guests, decorations are certainly not far behind. They can add a bit of personality and flair to the traditional proceedings, as well as enhancing the venue’s ...

Avant Stone's 2025 Nature's Palette Collection

Avant Stone, a longstanding supplier of quality natural stone in Sydney, introduces the 2025 Nature’s Palette Collection. Curated for architects, designers, and homeowners with discerning tastes, this selection highlights classic and contemporary a...

Professional-Grade Tactical Gear: Why 5.11 Tactical Leads the Field

When you're out in the field, your gear has to perform at the same level as you. In the world of high-quality equipment, 5.11 Tactical has established itself as a standard for professionals who demand dependability. Regardless of whether you’re inv...

Lessons from the Past: Historical Maritime Disasters and Their Influence on Modern Safety Regulations

Maritime history is filled with tales of bravery, innovation, and, unfortunately, tragedy. These historical disasters serve as stark reminders of the challenges posed by the seas and have driven significant advancements in maritime safety regulat...

What workers really think about workplace AI assistants

Imagine starting your workday with an AI assistant that not only helps you write emails[1] but also tracks your productivity[2], suggests breathing exercises[3], monitors your mood and stress levels[4] and summarises meetings[5]. This is not a f...

LayBy Shopping