The home affairs department will oversee a plan to use tax breaks, visas and fast-tracked planning approvals to lure foreign companies and “super talented” individuals to Australia, Alan Tudge said on Friday. The taskforce will aim to encourage foreign companies to relocate, with an initial focus on advanced manufacturing, financial services including fintech, and health. Asked if the federal government would disclose details of deals struck with foreign companies, Tudge said the government would provide “regular updates as to how well the taskforce is going”. Tudge defended the plan to support foreign-owned companies, saying the government had already provided “massive amounts of support for Australian industries” including the jobkeeper wage subsidy. China accused Australia of foreign interference over the visa changes.

Source: The Guardian September 04, 2020 02:15 UTC