Victoria's new Premier, Jacinta Allan, has ignited a fresh political firestorm by declaring her intention to maintain the state's controversial Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China, a deal originally orchestrated by her predecessor, Dan Andrews.
The confirmation comes amid growing national concern over foreign influence and immigration policies, placing the Allan government squarely in the crosshairs of federal scrutiny. The agreement, which critics label a secretive pact, continues to raise alarm bells in security circles.
A Legacy of Controversy
Signed by the Andrews government in 2019, the memorandum of understanding with China was kept largely hidden from public view, with details emerging only through persistent media pressure. The federal government, under Scott Morrison, eventually moved to cancel the deal in 2021 using new foreign relations powers, citing potential threats to national security.
Premier Allan's defence of the agreement suggests a continuing alignment with Beijing's global infrastructure strategy, despite Australia's broader strategic pivot towards closer ties with Western allies. This stance is likely to create significant friction with the federal Labor government.
Immigration and Security Concerns
The Belt and Road deal is particularly sensitive within the ongoing national debate on immigration. Security experts have repeatedly warned that such agreements could create backdoors for influence operations and impact migration patterns, potentially compromising Australia's sovereignty.
Allan's commitment to the deal signals a potential divergence from federal Labor's more cautious approach to Chinese engagement, setting the stage for a remarkable intra-party conflict over foreign policy and national security priorities.
As Victoria continues to welcome a significant portion of Australia's immigrants, the implications of closer ties with China through this agreement remain a critical concern for policymakers and citizens alike.
