Victorian government 'given green light for China's Belt and Road deal by DFAT'

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Victoria was reportedly given the green light to go ahead with China's Belt and Road agreement by the current Australian Ambassador to China when he worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Graham Fletcher reportedly told the Victorian government in 2018 the deal would have merit while other DFAT senior officials told the premier and cabinet that signing on would not undermine the federal government's policy.

The revelations contradict Prime Minister Scott Morrison's assertions on Sunday the federal government never supported the signing of the deal noting Victoria was the only state to sign on.

China's Belt and Road Initiative has been the subject of ongoing political tension between the Asian superpower and western governments. 

The move also drew criticism from a number of Coalition MPs including Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Resources Minister Matt Canavan, and Liberal Senator James Paterson.

Mr Paterson said Victoria's signing on had undermined Australia's response to China in recent weeks regarding the pandemic and its foreign policy in the Pacific.

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