Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I welcome the question from the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, because foreign investment has been important in the history of this country for the last 200 years. We as a country have needed foreign investment in order to supplement domestic savings and allow us to invest at a higher level than would otherwise be possible. It is true—this is where the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate is leading—that over time we have had mechanisms like the Foreign Investment Review Board to scrutinise foreign investment proposals in particular sectors, some more sensitive than others. The whole rationale for that has been to assure the community—

Senator Cameron interjecting—

Senator Williams interjecting—