On May 11, ACYA (Melbourne), in conjunction with the Melbourne Chinese Law Society, hosted its first forum on the topic “Chinese Investment in Australia: In the National Interest?”. The panel of speakers comprised Mr Ian McCubbin of Norton Rose Lawyers, Dr Helen Hu of the Melbourne School of Management, and Melbourne University Law Faculty’s Mr Andrew Godwin.

The three guests discussed subjects including the reasons underlying the surge in Chinese investment over recent years, the benefits of Chinese investment for both Australia and China and how Australia can better take advantage of Chinese investment. More specific and topical issues, such as the recent restrictions on overseas investors purchasing residential property in Australia, were also on the speakers’ agenda.

Opening the floor for questions, the audience took the opportunity to seek out the speakers’ views on the controversial Stern Hu case and what steps both countries can take to quell the surrounding tensions and avoid investment fallouts. In its response, the panel drew a consensus that Australia should determine with more certainty its policies towards Chinese investment as well as become more acquainted with Chinese business customs.

Following the event, keen students surrounded the speakers to engage in further discussions on the China-related topics.

ACYA would like to thank Mr McCubbin, Dr Hu and Mr Godwin for generously offering their time to increase the depth of students’ understanding in China-Australia relations.