Make China deal public ‘over time’: Bill Shorten

Bill Shorten has weighed in as Daniel Andrews faces pressure to go public with details of the Belt and Road Initiative deal.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Picture: AAP

Bill Shorten says the Victorian government’s agreement with China to join the Belt and Road Initiative should be released “over time” as Premier Daniel Andrews faces mounting pressure go public with the deal.

The Opposition Leader accused Scott Morrison of “playing Victorian state election stuff” for criticising Mr Andrews for signing a memorandum of understanding with Beijing to join the controversial infrastructure program.

But he said MOUs between governments and China should be released publicly.

“I think over time agreements that governments enter into, MOUs, should be made available to the public,” Mr Shorten said.

As senior Labor MPs have expressed alarm over Mr Andrews’ decision to join the BRI, Mr Shorten said state governments often engage in trade with national governments.

“State’s engage in trade relationships with other countries, they set trade delegations, I’m not running for Premier,” Mr Shorten said.

“If this (federal) government is giving out lectures on China policy why didn’t they stop the Darwin port being leased?

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: AAP

“That is amazing and they have got nothing to say on that.

“So I think Mr Morrison is playing Victorian state election stuff and I don’t take it that seriously.”

Mr Andrews this morning refused to say whether the deal was ticked off by cabinet, after The Australian spoke to state MPs who were concerned it was a “captain’s call”.

Sources close to Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis have told The Australian the BRI deal was driven by Mr Andrews after he travelled to China in May.

The sources say Mr Dalidakis only played a “peripheral” role in facilitating and designing the agreement and most of it was done by the Premier’s office.

A spokesman for Mr Dalidakis said he was at the signing of the MOU last month but would not say if he was consulted while the agreement was negotiated.

Mr Dalidakis said he was “very pleased” to join the Premier when he signed the BRI.

“This agreement is great for Victoria and a natural extension of our strong relationship with China, a relationship we are proud of,” Mr Dalidakis said