PM's formal announcement to bring the states/universities etc into line on foreign affairs
Thursday, 27 August 2020
The Morrison Government will introduce new legislation to ensure the arrangements states, territories, councils and universities have with foreign governments are consistent with Australian foreign policy.
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.
Under the reforms, the Foreign Minister will have the power to review any existing and prospective arrangements between state and territory governments and all foreign governments.
Arrangements that adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations or are inconsistent with our foreign policy could be prevented from proceeding or terminated.
The laws will cover state or territory entities, including departments, agencies, local governments and universities established under state or territory law.
The Commonwealth Government has the policy expertise and comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with any arrangements with foreign governments.
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. This will give states and territories the confidence necessary to enter into arrangements with foreign government entities.
The Morrison Government looks forward to working closely with state and territory governments, councils and universities and providing all Australians with the certainty that all levels of government are aligned to ensure a consistent approach to managing Australia’s foreign relations.
ENDS
To understand why the PM's acting - albeit belatedly - you only need to read our report from almost two years ago, reprinted here.
The frightening extent of Victorian Labor's treachery couldn't be clearer.
Victorian Labor's "relentless efforts to cooperate with China"
Monday, 12 November 2018
An official statement from the Chinese Communist government - never repudiated or questioned by the Andrews/CFMEU/Labor government.
Andrews agreed on Shi's opinions about developing China-Victoria relations, expressed that Labor Party of Victoria attaches great significance to cooperating and communicating with China and is willing to make relentless efforts to this end.
On 27 March 2012 the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne posted this report.
Shi made positive remarks on the sound cooperative relations of China and Victoria, expressed that the Chinese side is ready to work jointly with all parties in Victoria, taking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Chinaand Australia as an opportunity, to lift the China-Victoria pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges to a higher level.
Andrews agreed on Shi's opinions about developing China-Victoria relations, expressed that Labor Party of Victoria attaches great significance to cooperating and communicating with China and is willing to make relentless efforts to this end.
Shi also briefed on the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General and other issues at the request of Andrews.
Vice Consul General Huang Fengwen was present at the meeting.
ENDS
I think Labor's relentless efforts to communicate and cooperate with Communist Chinese dictatorship might be a little out of control.
It appears to be the natural Labor way.
ENDS
You can read the whole MOU (soon to be rescinded by the Morrison Government, assuming their spines remain intact) here - https://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2018/11/victorias-andrews-government-releases-mou-with-china.html