Michael West·2025-09-24 19:00Group 1 - The Albanese Government is implementing measures to limit transparency regarding the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) decisions, raising concerns about the adequacy of assessments of foreign investments [1][2] - A significant land purchase by a businessman with ties to the Chinese Communist Party near potential AUKUS submarine bases has been reported, highlighting the lack of awareness from the Defence Department regarding this transaction [2][3] - The Assistant Secretary of Treasury's Investment Review Branch refused to confirm or deny the existence of FIRB documents related to the land purchase, citing national security concerns [3][5] Group 2 - The government is appealing a decision that granted public access to the Treasury's analysis regarding the acquisition of Bellamy's Australia Ltd. by China Mengniu Dairy Company, indicating a pattern of obstructing transparency [7][9] - The FOI Amendment Bill proposed by Prime Minister Albanese aims to restrict access to important documents related to FIRB matters, which has faced delays due to opposition from the Liberals and Greens [10][13] - The ongoing legal battles and potential appeals by the government to maintain the lack of transparency in FIRB processes are expected to continue, with taxpayer funds being used for legal expenses [9][14]