Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Dan’s Belt and Road Running over the top of Victorian Farmers

Belt and road deal with China to push while import suspensions target Australian producers?

By Portal Admin - 16th November 2020 - Back to News

Daniel Andrews cannot stay part of China’s controversial Belt and Road deal after the latest round of import suspensions targeting Australian producers were imposed today.

In a multi-billion-dollar blow to our agriculture and resource sectors, China has suspended all imports of Australian wine, lobsters, sugar, coal, copper ore and concentrate, barley and timber.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh questioned why the Andrews Labor Government was sticking by its cosy Belt and Road deal with China – despite the punitive measures.

"China is our biggest trading partner and this import suspension will have dire consequences for our farmers and our economy," Mr Walsh said.

"But in Victoria, instead of standing up for our local farmers and workers, Daniel Andrews is promising big rewards with major infrastructure contracts for Chinese-owned companies under the Belt and Road deal.

"This latest punitive action shows it’s all one-way traffic.

"Daniel Andrews needs to decide if he’s the Premier for Victorians or for the Chinese Communist Government."

The Liberal Nationals recently put forward a plan for recovery from COVID-19 shutdowns, including strengthening Victoria’s economic base by diversifying our import partners to ensure we are not dependent on any single country for more than 15 per cent of our goods imports.

The plan also calls to expand Global Victoria in emerging economies throughout Southeast Asia, India and Africa by substantially increasing Victoria’s outbound trade opportunities by June 2021.

"The Andrews Labor Government signed up to Belt and Road against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade," Mr Walsh said.

"Daniel Andrews' dodgy Belt and Road Initiative with the Chinese Communist Party is a great deal for China but a terrible deal for Victoria.

"Dan’s deal is all one-way traffic that’s running over the top of Victorian farmers."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.