Firm distances itself from banned Chinese tycoon Huang Xiangmo

The Australian government has confirmed that billionaire political donor Huang Xiangmo has had his permanent residency cancelled.

Banned developer Huang Xiangmo. Picture Renee Nowytarger

The Australian government has confirmed that billionaire pol­itical donor Huang Xiangmo has had his permanent residency ­cancelled.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne yesterday said Mr Huang, who owns a mansion in Sydney’s Mosman, had also been ­denied Australian citizenship.

“I do understand there has been the cancellation of (a visa) of a high-profile individual but these things are constrained by privacy obligations,” Senator Payne said.

Mr Huang’s family company, Yuhu Group, which has real estate projects under way in Sydney’s Circular Quay and on the Gold Coast, yesterday distanced itself from the billionaire.

“Yuhu Group Australia (does not) speak for Mr Huang,” a spokesman said. “Mr Huang no longer holds any position at the company, is not involved in day-to-day operations, nor does he hold any shares.”

In December, the property ­developer’s son Jimmy assumed the role of chairman of Yuhu Group from Mr Huang.

The Australian understands Mr Huang is currently in Hong Kong.

Mr Huang has donated millions of dollars to both sides of Australian politics, but has ­editorialised in favour of the Labor Party in opinion pieces published in the Chinese-language media.

He was also linked to former senator Sam Dastyari, who supported Beijing’s position on the South China Sea at a press conference while standing next to Mr Huang. Asked whether political parties should return Mr Huang’s donations, Science Minister Karen ­Andrews said: “It’s something for consideration.”

Mr Huang was previously the head of the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful ­Reunification of China.

He also made a large donation towards the establishment of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, headed by former foreign minister Bob Carr.