The Coalition Government's handling of major foreign investments has quickly moved from national embarrassment to open warfare amongst Cabinet Ministers.
Just days after U.S. President Barack Obama criticised Malcolm Turnbull's poor handling of the Port Darwin lease, Trade Minister Andrew Robb has launched an extraordinary attack on rookie Treasurer Scott Morrison's decision to refuse applications by foreign buyers for the S. Kidman & Co. cattle stations.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald report, Mr Robb said the decision "is political".
Asked if he was unhappy about it, Mr Robb said: "You might surmise that."
Mr Robb went on:
"I've heard about selling Australia forever. I just haven't seen a farm leave the country yet."
Australian businesses and foreign investors have no certainty or consistency when it comes to how the Coalition Government is handling foreign investment matters.
The Government's Agricultural White Paper has failed to provide any strategic guidance at a critical time for the sector and we are seeing the results.
Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison are fast making Australia a laughing stock when it comes to foreign investment.
Malcolm Turnbull needs to step in and sort out his split in the Cabinet ranks so this doesn't jeopardise Australia's international reputation.
SATURDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2015
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON CHRIS BOWEN MP
SHADOW TREASURER
MEMBER FOR MCMAHON
THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS
SPOKESPERSON FOR COUNTRY CAUCUS
MEMBER FOR HUNTER
Be the first to comment
Sign in with