WA clown government grants HUAWEI contract for Perth Trains despite security concerns

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https://amp.abc.net.au/article/10896220

The McGowan Government is pushing ahead with its contract with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to build a new digital radio system for Perth's trains, saying it has received assurances from the company.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti had asked Huawei whether it could deliver the $200 million contract after the US Government unsealed two indictments against the company in January.

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) awarded the contracts for the 4G project's design, build and maintenance to a joint venture between Huawei and UGL in July 2018, after expressions of interest were sought the previous year.

Ms Saffioti has told Parliament that at her request, senior PTA staff met in February with eight senior Huawei and UGL staff, including Huawei Australia chairman John Lord.

"The Huawei and UGL representatives confirmed they would be able to source equipment required for the project. Further confirmation was subsequently received by the PTA," Ms Saffioti said.

"The State Government is committed to delivering this project, and making sure that the proponents deliver on their contractual obligations.

"To that end the state will continue to monitor this contract, with the involvement of other key state agencies."

The allegations by the United States Justice Department in January prompted greater scrutiny of how the Chinese tech giant does business and intensified a trade dispute between the US and China.

Security advice on Huawei followed: Saffioti

Ms Saffioti said because of the ongoing monitoring of the contract, she had been advised she could not table correspondence with the company "at this stage".

Deputy Liberal leader Lisa Harvey said the correspondence from Huawei promising it could deliver the contract should be made public, and it was typical of Ms Saffioti to "hide" it.

"That's typical of this Minister. She's very secretive," Ms Harvey said.

"We constantly have to go to the FOI commissioner, to get clearance from the FOI commissioner with respect to information she fails to provide."

The State Opposition has previously questioned the extent to which the Government consulted with security agencies over the contract, and whether it properly followed any advice.

There have also been wider concerns over whether the firm's technology would enable outside access to Australian infrastructure.

But Ms Saffioti repeated her position that the Government had sought and followed advice from Commonwealth security agencies.

No Chinese interference, Huawei says

In January, Mr Lord insisted the Chinese government had never asked nor directed Huawei to gather information for intelligence purposes in Australia.