asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 25 March 2011:

(1) Was the department consulted prior to the change in Australia's foreign investment rules; if so, when.

(2) Was Chinese investment in Australia mentioned during any discussion concerning the proposed change to Australia's foreign investment rules prior to the announcement in August 2009; if so, when.

(3) Was the department advised by Treasury officials that the change in Australia's foreign investment rules were intended to pose new disincentives for Chinese investment in Australia, or any words to that effect; if so, when.

(4) Has the Chinese Government made representations to either the department or the Minister's office concerning these changes; if so, when and can details of their content be provided.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) No.

(2) No.

(3) No.

(4) No.