Australia: Sovereign funds: enhanced transparency

The Australian Government has published six principles designed to enhance the transparency of its foreign investment screening regime. The Hon. Wayne Swan MP, Treasurer, observed:

“The principles set out the main factors that are considered in determining, on a case-by-case basis, whether particular investments by foreign governments and their agencies are consistent with Australia's national interest. Assessing the national interest in any given case requires a balanced view of the proposal against these principles. The principles set out the additional factors that need to be considered in relation to investment proposals by foreign governments and their agencies over and above those that apply to normal private sector proposals”.

The Treasurer’s statement and principles are available here and further background information is available here.