Senator Rhiannon wants stronger regulation for procurement of Australian goods in mines

There should be stronger regulation for procurement of Australian goods by international mining companies, Australian Greens senator Lee Rhiannon says.

Senator Rhiannon said Australian companies were being disadvantaged by the current situation.

"It's in no way about returning to the era of protectionism but we do need to have a level playing field for procurement, which we don't have at the moment," she told Sky News.

"I'm not saying immediately that we just bring in it has to be procuring all Australian goods, but I'm obviously open to that.

"I think there certainly needs to be more regulation."
She cited the example of the China First coal mine in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland.

"(The) state-owned Chinese government company is bringing five companies in to do its railways, its ports, dig the coal," she said.

Read more here.