Now is the time for Victoria to ‘recommit to the strongest possible relationship’ with China, Premier tells forum

Premier Daniel Andrews has finally released the speech he gave at a highly secretive Chinese forum in Melbourne. Here is some of what he said.

Daniel Andrews speaking at the China-Australia Economic Cooperation Forum. Picture: Supplied

Premier Daniel Andrews has publicly released the speech that he delivered to a highly secretive Chinese forum held in Melbourne this week.

Two days after Australian journalists were barred from attending the event, which Chinese media were allowed to attend, the Andrews Government released an audio recording of Mr Andrews addressing a room of 300 people and vowing to forge stronger ties with Beijing and its investors.

Melbourne City Council Lord Mayor Sally Capp also spoke at the event but provided a copy of her speech to media shortly after being requested.

Amid growing pressure an audio recording was given to media on Wednesday night.

Earlier on Wednesday Mr Andrews maintained that he delivered his speech “off the cuff” and didn’t refer to the notes that had been provided by his staff.

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp released her speech shortly after request. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The Premier told the Post Pandemic China-Australia Cooperation Forum that now is the time for Victoria to “recommit to the strongest possible relationship” with China, declaring the state is open for business.

Mr Andrews said he believed the change in government at federal level presented a “clear opportunity”.

“I think where we are today is vastly different than where we were a couple of years ago,” he told the crowd.

“I think that is positive, but I think none of us, as friends of this relationship and supporters of all the benefit that it brings and can bring in the future, can afford to be complacent about that,” he said.

“We always have to be working hard to make sure that decision makers here and there know and understand how important this partnership is.

“This relationship has always been important to us. Now is the time for us to recommit to the strongest possible relationship.

Mr Andrews told the Crowd he wanted to see more direct Chinese investment in Victoria, as well as more Victorians travelling to China to see the “amazing progress, the quote unbelievable progress, in economic development, in advancement, in the standard of living, in the high tech acutely advanced elements of the Chinese economy”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has now revealed what he said at the forum. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Andrews told Chinese businesses they should “always feel free to reach out” to Victoria’s Commissioner to Greater China, Brett Stevens, to discuss opportunities.

“Victoria might be part of the solution you are looking for, or a central part of the opportunity that you are trying to foster and grow,” he said.

“I can’t overstate how willing and how well equipped those officers are to support you in the decisions you make.

“Please always regard yourself as welcome in Melbourne and Victoria, because you most certainly are.”

The pro-China forum came after Mr Andrews flew to Beijing as part of a four-day China trip in March, which he again Australian journalists were unable to attend.

It comes at a time when the Federal Government is delicately working on resolving ongoing trade disputes with the country.