Australian political consultancy Crosby Textor provided advice used by pro-Beijing officials in Hong Kong ahead of a crucial election, and as they smoothed the way for the start of national security laws that dramatically curtailed free speech and stifled opposition to the Communist Party.

The 2020 research was organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation and paid for by Chow Tai Fook, the conglomerate that owns Alinta Energy, two sources with knowledge of the project told AFR Weekend.