MOTIONS › Foreign Investment: Van Diemen's Land Company
Senator RYAN (Victoria—Minister for Vocational Education and Skills) (16:20): Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RYAN: The government does not support this motion, as it considers the motion unnecessary, given the thorough and vigorous process of review that shall be undertaken on this foreign investment application. As the motion itself notes, the proposed sale is already under review by the Foreign Investment Review Board. The government will always ensure that no investment is contrary to the national interest. The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 requires the Treasurer to consider whether a proposed purchase of Australian agricultural land or an Australian agribusiness is contrary to the national interest, and Australia's foreign investment policy, which the Treasurer follows, provides guidance on how this responsibility is met, including what factors may be considered when assessing foreign investment proposals. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1022 be agreed to.