- Sam Dastyari told Chinese media Australia should not meddle in China's activities in South China Sea
- Julie Bishop attacked Bill Shorten for promoting Dastyari to deputy Opposition whip
- Coalition also faces questions about Chinese donations
By Louise Yaxley
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has accused Labor senator Sam Dastyari of trashing the ALP's foreign policy for a $400,000 donation.
Four Corners has reported that Chinese donor Huang Xiangmo withdrew a promise to donate $400,000 last year because Labor's then-defence spokesman, Stephen Conroy, supported freedom of movement in the South China Sea.
The program pointed out that the day after the offer was withdrawn, Dastyari contradicted Labor policy by telling Chinese media that Australia should not meddle with China's activities in the South China Sea.
Dastyari later said he supported Labor Party policy on freedom of movement in the South China Sea.
He resigned from his frontbench position last year because a Chinese donor paid a travel bill for him.
Sam Dastyari resigned from the frontbench because a Chinese donor paid a travel bill for him.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has accused Labor senator Sam Dastyari of trashing the ALP's foreign policy for a $400,000 donation.
Four Corners has reported that Chinese donor Huang Xiangmo withdrew a promise to donate $400,000 last year because Labor's then-defence spokesman, Stephen Conroy, supported freedom of movement in the South China Sea.
The program pointed out that the day after the offer was withdrawn, Dastyari contradicted Labor policy by telling Chinese media that Australia should not meddle with China's activities in the South China Sea.
Dastyari later said he supported Labor Party policy on freedom of movement in the South China Sea.
He resigned from his frontbench position last year because a Chinese donor paid a travel bill for him.
Ms Bishop has lashed out at Dastyari and attacked Labor leader Bill Shorten for giving the senator a promotion to deputy Opposition whip.
"We now know that Dastyari's about-face on the South China Sea had a price tag attached to it — indeed a reported $400,000 was all it took for Dastyari to trash Labor's official foreign policy position," Ms Bishop said.
"What did the Leader of the Opposition do?
"In the face of the most extraordinary public admission of foreign interference and influence, he slapped him on the wrist, sent him to the backbench for a couple of months and Sam Dastyari is now back in a leadership position in the Labor Party.
"This Leader of the Opposition sold out our national interest."
The Coalition also faces questions about Chinese donations.
"We now know that Dastyari's about-face on the South China Sea had a price tag attached to it — indeed a reported $400,000 was all it took for Dastyari to trash Labor's official foreign policy position," Ms Bishop said.
"What did the Leader of the Opposition do?
"In the face of the most extraordinary public admission of foreign interference and influence, he slapped him on the wrist, sent him to the backbench for a couple of months and Sam Dastyari is now back in a leadership position in the Labor Party.
"This Leader of the Opposition sold out our national interest."
The Coalition also faces questions about Chinese donations.
Greens leader Richard di Natale raised a Four Corners report that Huang Xiangmo also donated $100,000 to then-trade minister Andrew Robb's personal campaign fund on the day the free trade deal was signed with China.
Chinese fifth column's Gang of Four -- An ASIO investigation sparks fears the Chinese Communist Party is influencing the Australian political system as questions are raised over foreign political donations.
Attorney-General George Brandis refused to say whether a conflict of interest was raised in Cabinet, saying he could not reveal Cabinet discussions.
Senator Brandis said he was aware of the reports and allegations but did not know if they are accurate.
Andrew Robb now works for the Chinese-owned company the Landbridge Group, which has a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin.
He began working for Landbridge the day before the election last July, but Senator Brandis said Robb had left Parliament when the election was called in May.
Senator di Natale said it was critical for the Greens to shine a spotlight on the issue because both major parties had connections to Chinese donors.
Senator Brandis said he was aware of the reports and allegations but did not know if they are accurate.
Andrew Robb now works for the Chinese-owned company the Landbridge Group, which has a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin.
He began working for Landbridge the day before the election last July, but Senator Brandis said Robb had left Parliament when the election was called in May.
Senator di Natale said it was critical for the Greens to shine a spotlight on the issue because both major parties had connections to Chinese donors.
"You have got Labor and Liberal members of this Parliament implicated for their links to high-profile Chinese businessmen connected to the Communist regime in China," he said.
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