Michael is joined by Rex Patrick, Senator for South Australia – Centre Alliance, who has long been calling for a broad ranging inquiry into Australia’s relationship with China, but found his proposal blocked on five occasions over 18 months by the Coalition government & Labor opposition having combined forces. 

 

The Victorian government’s surprise engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, China’s growing influence in Australia’s immediate sphere of strategic interest, Chinese investments and acquisitions in key sectors of the Australian economy, to serious allegations of Chinese government interference in Australian politics – have all demonstrated the need for the Australian Parliament to take a deep dive into the dynamics of Australia-China relations.