McGowan government of Western Australia has come under fire for offering a $136 million telecommunications contract to China`s controversial telecoms giant Huawei despite national security concerns.
The developments were rather bizarre, with Huawei`s bid winning news being posted online on Friday and the contract posted on Western Australia`s bidding website only on Sunday.
Neither Western Australia`s governor, McGowan, nor his directors made public statements, and even several were on leave.
Luo De (John Lord), chairman of Huawei Australia, thanked contractor Perth Transport Authority for "the trust it has given to Huawei and their support for local companies in Western Australia," in an online announcement. We will work closely together in the coming years to achieve this major project.
But opposition party leader Nahan (Mike Nahan) said the award of the contract to Huawei raised "serious and reasonable security issues".
"it seems Western Australian government is trying to keep the contract going without any attention," Dr. Nahan said. "Why would they leave such an important contract for Huawei to announce and remain silent?"
Last year, Huawei became one of five priority bidders for a 4G communications system contract for the Perth rail network in 2020. The technology will control signals from Perth`s 180-kilometer electrified rail network, some of which will connect the city to Perth airport.
McGovern and West Australia`s transportation chief, Safi Oti (Rita Saffioti), hinted last month that Huawei was the preferred bidder. Safeotti said they had conducted "four inspections" with the federal government to ensure that there were no security problems.
The news that Huawei won a lucrative Western Australian rail system contract has raised concerns among some that it should not have access to Australia`s sensitive electronics systems, including transport infrastructure, because of its links to China`s government.
From a strategic security point of view, McGowan government made serious mistakes in judgment and deprived local companies of employment, Nahan said.
McGowan government spokesman said late Sunday: "We are satisfied that this radio system replacement program has no security issues."
