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It remains unclear whether these land deals underwent thorough scrutiny by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The absence of official commentary from government authorities fuels speculation over the adequacy of existing review procedures concerning foreign investment in critical infrastructure.
Political Reactions and Calls for Transparency
Members of Australia's Nationals party have voiced concerns, emphasizing the importance of national security and precaution. Jim Chalmers, a prominent figure in the government, has been urged to clarify whether these transactions received the appropriate security and investment approvals, especially given ongoing debates about Chinese ownership of key ports, such as Darwin.