THE HON BILL SHORTEN MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG
CHRIS BOWEN MP
SHADOW TREASURER
MEMBER FOR MCMAHON
MEDIA RELEASE
CONCERN PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT WILL VETO GRAINCORP INVESTMENT
Reports today that the Prime Minister is poised to stop international investment in Graincorp are extremely concerning.
It’s critical the foreign investment process is independent and free from political interference, whether it’s from the Prime Minister, Warren Truss or Barnaby Joyce.
The Graincorp decision should be assessed on its merits and whether it’s in Australia’s national interest - as Labor consistently did in Government.
The Prime Minister must guarantee he will not interfere in this process – he must guarantee Australia’s interests, not his own political interests, are put first.
How can investors have confidence to invest in Australia if their ventures are at risk of being caught up in games of political brinkmanship?
The Treasurer has said he would not be bullied by anyone when it came to his decision on Graincorp:
JOURNALIST:
There are rumours you are going to allow the foreign takeover of Graincorp with conditions. Is that true and if so what conditions would they be?
TREASURER:
Let me say this on foreign investment. I will not be bullied or intimidated by anyone when it comes to dealing with the national interest. Anyone. Anyone. Anyone.
JOURNALIST: So specifically on Graincorp?
TREASURER:
Anyone.
JOE HOCKEY – PRESS CONFERENCE – 6 NOVEMBER 2013
This is a big test for the Treasurer – will he be bullied by the Prime Minister and Warren Truss, or will stand by his commitment that ‘Australia is open for business’?
The Coalition’s internal warfare on foreign investment is sending the wrong message to business overseas looking to invest in Australia.
Last week it was Liberals fighting Nationals; now it’s spread to Liberals fighting Liberals.
Foreign investment is too critical for Australia to be caught up in these political games.
The Prime Minister said this month this decision is up to the Treasurer – he must follow his own rules:
That doesn't mean that every single foreign investment proposal in every last respect is in our national interest and that's why we have got an FIRB process, that's why in the end it is up to the Treasurer to say yes or no to these and that process is in train here as it is in train in all cases that require FIRB approval.
TONY ABBOTT – PRESS CONFERENCE – 8 NOVEMBER 2013
FRIDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2013
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