The Source: Melbourne’s China forum cops grilling in federal parliament

Melbourne’s China forum, set to feature Daniel Andrews as a speaker, has been questioned in federal parliament, with a senator claiming it is supported by a “front group” for China’s top spy agency.

Victorian senator James Paterson raised Victoria’s post-Covid China forum in federal parliament. Picture: Gary Ramage

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers.

Victorian Liberal MP James Paterson has used a Senate estimates hearing — and The Source — to ask pointed questions about the Post Pandemic China-Australia Economic Cooperation Forum in Melbourne on June 5 and 6.

Premier Dan Andrews will speak at the forum, which is co “supported” by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS).

In Paterson’s words, the CIIDS is “very clearly” a “front group” for China’s top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS).

He was asking questions of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials on Thursday.

“As a matter of principle, is it appropriate for a MSS front group to be involved in organising a conference in Australia?” he asked.

And later: “Do we need to have a more robust process in place for assessing potential events like this?”

DFAT officials offered uncontroversial responses to the questions, which included some editorialising from Paterson.

“The Victorian government clearly doesn’t have expertise in foreign influence or foreign interference,” he argued, “as has been well demonstrated on a number of occasions.”

Paterson cited The Source item earlier this week which confirmed that Andrews would speak at the event.

Delias host who’s who for Maha bash

Celebrity chef Shane Delia will host a star-studded dinner on Thursday night to celebrate the 15th birthday of his flagship CBD restaurant Maha.

Delia and wife Maha will welcome big names from the world of football, hospitality, sport, governance, TV and entertainment to the gourmet eatery in Bond St.

VIP guests include Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, CEO Ameet Bains, North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt, TV personalities Kate Langbroek and Waleed Aly, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley, radio host Lauren Phillips, Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival chief Anthea Loucas-Bosha, Ryan hospitality boss Andy Ryan, The Botanical’s Rabih Yanni and former Labor minister Martin Pakula.

They will converge at popular watering hole Bar Jayda for drinks, followed by dinner at Maha.

Popular chef Delia hit a sour note last month after his food delivery service Providoor went into liquidation.

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Shane and Maha Delia are hosting a star-studded dinner. Picture: Jason Edwards

Magistrate judged over hard working comment

Magistrate Brett Sonnett came from chambers to deal with a case called in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The defence lawyer thanked His Honour, and apologised for interrupting his “break” to come onto the bench and attend to his matter.

But His Honour replied he’d been writing a decision in chambers.

“I don’t have breaks,” Mr Sonnett replied. “I work hard.”

Chuckles erupted from the bar table.

“Everyone’s laughing,” he noted, “including my clerk”.

Familiar faces lining up to replace Liberal MP

A line of Liberal hopefuls has swiftly formed to replace Ryan Smith, the long-time Liberal member for Warrandyte, who has triggered a by-election by abruptly quitting the seat, citing the “growing negative tone of politics”.

Presumably, his wannabe replacements are more optimistic.

They are thought to include Caroline Inge, vice president of the Liberal party and a former staffer to former MP Tim Smith (lately of Britain), and once federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg (lately of Goldman Sachs).

There’s Tristan Layton, a staffer for shadow education minister Matthew Bach and a Victorian convener of the republican movement.

There’s Bach himself, who might be considering a move from the upper to lower house, despite early signals that he would not contest a preselection.

And there’s Sarah Overton, a director of KPMG, who was said to apply for the Liberal state director role.

Caroline Inge is also believed to be queuing up for a chance at the gig. Picture: Kym Smith

We cannot leave out John Roskam, a former executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs.

There are strong suggestions that lower-profile names are also being sounded out.

The by-election, expected in August, will be hyped as a defining measure of beleaguered Liberal leader, John Pesutto, who has emphasised his desire for women candidates.

The surest bet is that Tim Smith, who left politics after drink-driving into a Hawthorn fence, and who followed his car crash with a car crash press conference, will not be welcomed as a candidate by any of the party’s factions.