The Australian government will soon be given new powers under the Foreign Relations bill to void arrangements with foreign nations that aren’t in Australia’s national interests. Once passed by the Senate, the foreign affairs minister has the power to veto arrangements by state and territory governments, including local councils and public universities, with foreign nations. The […]

Beijing’s ambassador to Australia has launched a vitriolic attack against a senator and critics of the Chinese communist regime, as the government hosts public hearings on new laws which could spell the end of the Belt and Road Initiative in the country. The Canberra-based Cheng Jingye claimed Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz’s recent comments at the […]

Universities are pushing hard against new proposed laws that will give the Commonwealth the power to scrutinise, and potentially veto, collaboration with foreign governments or entities. Representatives from Australia’s top universities are appearing at a parliamentary inquiry into the Foreign Relations Bill, with many opposing the new measure. Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, […]