Federal Trade Secretary Steven Ciobo dismissed "alarmist" claims that Australian Chinese business and industry could be the target of (ASIO), an Australian security intelligence unit. Meanwhile, the much-watched foreign intervention bill passed parliament last night.
Steven Ciobo, Minister of Trade, Australia
Although some neutral lawmakers protested, the legislation was passed with the support of the government and the Labour Party.
Speaking at a forum organized by the Australian-China Relations Institute at Sydney University of Science and Technology, chaired by former Foreign Minister Bob Carr, in response to a question from Huang Shulong (Sam Wong), head of a Canberra community, Mr. Ciobo said: Foreign interference laws are not about China.
"I am very worried. Can you tell us how we don`t get into trouble with ASIO? " Asked Mr. Huang.
Mr Ciobo said the security bills were about protecting "Australia`s national sovereignty." "I think it is very unfair to Australia to try to portray it as related to bilateral relations with China." Mr. Ciobo said, "I think your concern is alarmist. Because we all value strong bilateral relations. "
Mr Ciobo told the Australian newspaper that foreign companies investing in Australia had not raised these concerns with him. Although the provisions of the new law include compulsory public registration of businessmen closely associated with foreign governments.
The law was passed with bipartisan support after the Security Intelligence Committee, made up of Labour and Liberal lawmakers, agreed on amendments to the law.
The Greens and some neutral lawmakers have proposed amendments, including a three-year sunset clause. The Greens also proposed an amendment to protect the right to protest by establishing immunity under the bill for freedom of expression and political communications. However, these changes were not approved by Parliament.
Mr. Carr supported the transparency plan approved this week and said he did not think he needed to register, despite controversy over the acceptance of Chinese entrepreneur money by the Australian-China Relations Institute.
"I don`t think it`s unreasonable. But the government lost the opportunity to get all the campaign money, "he said."
