New Australian body to probe foreign bids for key assets

Sydney

THE Australian government announced a new infrastructure body on Monday that will, among other functions, check whether foreign-led bids for key assets, including power grids and ports, pose any national security risks.

The Critical Infrastructure Centre will assess risks, advise on transactions and help prevent sabotage, espionage and coercion, the government said in a statement.

The centre, which will also draw up a list of key …