This paper argues that the downturn in foreign investment in Australia, including from the United States, can be explained by the pandemic downturn in global investment, a reduced Australian international borrowing requirement, more competitive US tax settings, and an increase in regulation and regulatory uncertainty arising from Australia’s foreign investment review process.

The Australian federal government recently resolved to scrap the Victorian state government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The timing of this decision needs to be contemplated as ongoing developments may trouble bilateral relations between Australia and China, writes John Varano.

This paper outlines the most comprehensive reforms to Australia’s foreign investment review framework in more than 20 years. The Australian government will shortly release exposure draft legislation for consultation on the reforms prior to its introduction into Parliament, and provide further guidance for investors on implementation.

This paper, based on extensive research and consultations, is intended to stimulate thinking about best standards for infrastructure investment in the Pacifc. It suggests that if lasting development outcomes are to be assured, civil society will need to play a greater role in the prioritisation, design, implementation and maintenance of new infrastructure in the Pacifc...

This paper examines how swiftly core characteristics of the global economy are changing and the implications for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Australia, especially FDI from China. The paper focuses on how state investment capital is an increasingly important strategic priority for governments, regulators, finance sector participants and other stakeholders. This is of the utmost...