Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan embarks tonight on her first official trip to China, launching a new “China Strategy” aimed at boosting trade, education, tourism, and innovation.
The visit is widely seen as pivotal in maintaining support among Chinese-Australian communities, many of whom backed Daniel Andrews’ pro-China policies.
In Beijing, Allan will meet senior government and industry leaders, with the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) topping the agenda. Her government is courting Chinese investment to support its value capture funding model, which would require developers benefiting from the project to contribute financially. Securing overseas partners could accelerate housing developments around the rail line and relieve funding pressure on state coffers.
Four MPs travelling with Allan—Paul Hamer, Meng Heang Tak, Matt Fregon, and John Mullahy—represent electorates with large Chinese populations and suburbs along the SRL corridor. The Allan government also hopes the Albanese government will increase its current $2.2 billion commitment once the value capture plan is finalised.
The visit follows renewed debate over Victoria’s China ties after a viral photo of former premier Daniel Andrews at a Chinese military parade alongside Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. Allan insists her approach signals “a new era of jobs, growth and stability for Victorian workers” and “a new era of respect for Victoria’s Chinese communities.”
On Friday, she announced $2 million for Chinese cultural initiatives, including $392,000 to transform Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum into Australia’s new National Chinese Museum. The mission is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic links, ensuring Victoria remains a leading partner for China in key sectors.
