❓ Mr. Johnston questions the Treasurer regarding FIRB's role in assessing the sale of Fremantle port to foreign investors, particularly concerning potential links to foreign military forces. The Treasurer assures that discussions have occurred with relevant departments and FIRB approval is mandatory.
AnsweredQoN 151Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FOREIGN INVESTMENT REVIEW BOARD — ASSET
SALES
151. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Treasurer:
I refer to the proposed changes to
the Foreign Investment Review Board's role in assessing publicly owned
critical infrastructure after the sale of Darwin port to Chinese interests and
the Treasurer's proposal to privatise Fremantle port.
(1) What advice
has the Treasurer received from the FIRB regarding the potential sale to
foreign investors?
(2) Has the
Treasurer contacted the Department of Defence regarding the potential
privatisation of Fremantle port?
(3) Will
connection to a foreign military force of a potential bidder be considered by
the government in determining the sale of the port?
SALES
151. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Treasurer:
I refer to the proposed changes to
the Foreign Investment Review Board's role in assessing publicly owned
critical infrastructure after the sale of Darwin port to Chinese interests and
the Treasurer's proposal to privatise Fremantle port.
(1) What advice
has the Treasurer received from the FIRB regarding the potential sale to
foreign investors?
(2) Has the
Treasurer contacted the Department of Defence regarding the potential
privatisation of Fremantle port?
(3) Will
connection to a foreign military force of a potential bidder be considered by
the government in determining the sale of the port?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question.
(1)–(3) We
have had extensive discussions with the Department of Defence, Treasury and the
Foreign Investment Review Board on all the asset sales we have had. Of course,
any sale will have to require the approval of the FIRB. Of course—it is
the law of the land. It will determine who is a suitable foreign investor or
not, as is appropriate.
Mr
M. McGowan : What's the advice?
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : We have not sold it yet—nor have we gone out and
indicated parties to buy it, so we are not going to waste people's
time. All we have had is discussions with the FIRB, the Treasury people and the
Department of Defence. They are very happy with the processes we are going
through. We indicated to
them that they will be able to vet any sale in the future. As to whether they
have links with foreign interests, that is an issue for the FIRB to give
approval on.
(1)–(3) We
have had extensive discussions with the Department of Defence, Treasury and the
Foreign Investment Review Board on all the asset sales we have had. Of course,
any sale will have to require the approval of the FIRB. Of course—it is
the law of the land. It will determine who is a suitable foreign investor or
not, as is appropriate.
Mr
M. McGowan : What's the advice?
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : We have not sold it yet—nor have we gone out and
indicated parties to buy it, so we are not going to waste people's
time. All we have had is discussions with the FIRB, the Treasury people and the
Department of Defence. They are very happy with the processes we are going
through. We indicated to
them that they will be able to vet any sale in the future. As to whether they
have links with foreign interests, that is an issue for the FIRB to give
approval on.
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