Mr Palmer
confirmed that Chinese Government companies were seeking control over hundreds
of square kilometres of Western Australian land and had not sought approval
from the FIRB as required by Australian law.
He said the
Chinese Government was unlawfully seeking control of Australian land in the
Pilbara region.
“By commencing
actions in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Chinese Government
companies were creating tension between the court and the FIRB,’’ Mr Palmer
said.
“This is a tactic
to divide and conquer our nation used frequently by the Communist-Government
quest internationally.
“This is a
serious attack on Australian sovereignty and the loyalty of Australian citizens
assisting the Chinese Government-owned companies is a concern,’’ Mr Palmer
said.
“In essence, they
are trying to gain control of the Port of Cape Preston without first seeking
approval of the FIRB. All Australians should be alarmed. I have serious
concerns for Australia’s security.
“Mineralogy has
not been able to gain access to its own tenements to inspect what the Chinese
companies are actually doing at Cape Preston despite written agreements
requiring such access.
“We received
complaints from workers on site that there are secret activities going on. I
believe the Minister of Defence must have the site inspected in the interests
of the nation’s security,’’ Mr Palmer said.
“It is a matter
of great concern that the Chinese Government companies are occupying a major
Australian port and denying full access to Australian companies who own the
right to the land where they are constructed,’’ Mr Palmer said.