Daniel Andrews should give more information on China deal: Dutton

Peter Dutton demands Daniel Andrews release more information about his “strange” secret infrastructure deal with China.

Peter Dutton says Daniel Andrews should release more information about his secret infrastructure deal with China.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ secret infrastructure deal with China is “quite strange” and there may be “more here that people aren’t aware of” about the role of a China-linked staffer in his office Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says.

The Australian reports today that a senior adviser in Mr Andrew’s office, Marty Mei, has links to China’s United Front organisation, which co-ordinates Beijing’s overseas influence operations.

It comes as the premier comes under increasing pressure from both Liberal and Labor federal MPs to release the details of a memorandum of understanding with China over their Belt and Road Initiative.

When asked about Mr Mei’s role in the deal, Mr Dutton said this morning that Mr Andrews had to release more information about the BRI deal with China and his staffer’s role in the deal.

“We need to know the rest of the details. I’ve noted allegations in the press today,” he told 2GB.

“I just think there is more here that people aren’t yet aware of. And I think Mr Andrews needs to provide that information, particularly on the eve of an election.”

Mr Dutton echoed comments made by Scott Morrison yesterday about Mr Andrews wading in on foreign policy, rather than focusing on state issues like law and order.

“Now for this quite bizarre eleventh hour announcement. It really smacks of something quite strange to me. And I think Mr Andrews should explain the full details, what’s behind it,” he said.

“And why he’s made this decision? It’s quite at odds with Australian government policy, Liberal Party policy, Labor Party policy. And we understand the influences and the reasons for his decision.”

Mr Dutton and the Prime Minister’s comments this week are in contrast to remarks by Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Trade Minister Simon Birmingham.

Both Senator Payne and Senator Birmingham welcomed Victoria’s BRI deal earlier this week. They have both been visiting China.