Rex Patrick has urged the government to send home 'at least two thirds' of the 148 Chinese diplomats and consular personnel currently in Australia.
A key crossbench senator wants at least 100 Chinese diplomats and consular staff kicked out of Australia.
"The Australian government should bite the bullet and take long overdue action," he said in a statement on Wednesday. He argues Australian ministers and diplomats are already routinely ignored by their Chinese counterparts.China has 148 diplomatic staff in Australia and Senator Patrick wants"at least two-thirds" of them expelled.
Senator Patrick also claims there is"no question" Chinese embassy and consular staff are engaging in espionage and political interference.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Questions raised over Australia's free trade deal with Hong Kong amid China crackdownThe Morrison Government faces calls to axe its free trade deal with Hong Kong after suspending Australia's extradition agreement with the city.
Read more »
Kiwis stuck in immigration detention 'hope to be next' as Australia restarts deportationsWhile the New Zealand government has expressed disappointment with Australia restarting its policy of deporting New Zealanders, some detainees say they are eager to finally return home.
Read more »
ASIO needs to ensure incoming Hong Kongers are not ‘Chinese Trojan horses’ | Sky News AustraliaSky News host Peta Credlin says offering fleeing Hong Kongers visa options is smart but ASIO needs to run the ruler over every single person to ensure they are not a “Chinese Trojan horse”.\n\nLast week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed plans to offer some Hong Kong citizens a pathway to permanent residency, after Beijing imposed tough new national security laws.\n\nMs Credlin said Australian intelligence officials need to ensure incoming Hong Kong citizens are not Chinese plants trying to gain “some sort of anchor in the country”.\n\nImage: AP
Read more »
How a Chinese restaurant explains Australia's mask riddleWant to make your own face mask? Here's how you can do it. • And if you'd like to better understand the debate about masks, the best place to start, writes liammannix, is on the third floor of a restaurant in Guangzhou, China, seven months ago:
Read more »
'Reducing COVID-19 cases in Australia is the best way to protect the economy': Hunt | Sky News AustraliaHealth Minister Greg Hunt says reducing the COVID-19 caseload in Australia is the best way to protect the nation's economy. \n\n‘We know that in order to make the economy work we have to reduce the virus as much as possible,” he said.\n\n“That’s what will actually allow the economy to return to its best state.\n\n“It won’t be exactly the same as it was, but if we can reduce the virus to as low as possible, we protect lives, we save lives, but we also best protect livelihoods.'\n\n
Read more »
Australia must immediately 'cut green tape': Canavan | Sky News AustraliaNationals Senator Matt Canavan says it’s time Australia cut green tape to unlock the business potential of this country. \n\nThe National Farmers Federation is pleading for industrial relations to be simplified, so the agricultural sector can lead a post COVID-19 economic recovery.\n\nThis would include export fees waived, cuts to green tape and millions of dollars poured into regional infrastructure.\n\n“I think we have got to get back to making things here in Australia and make our own wealth, and that means making the most of our natural resources,' Mr Canavan said. \n\n“I certainly have been campaigning alongside them (NFF) to see green tape cut in this country that is holding so many projects back.\n\n“Agricultural, mining, manufacturing spaces; these are the sectors of the economy we need to unleash.”\n\nThe report by the NFF is due to be released on Tuesday.\n
Read more »