House passes controversial Foreign Investment Bill

Im not sure how many ministers have their own business in the restricted list, if they were open about it in parliament, but they need to justify it with proper arguments. The minister dismissing views just because it comes from a foreigner is juvenile and just shows a lack of understanding or preparation of their arguments.

Government should be wary of creating its own economic problems in the future. We complain about shortages and then point fingers at businesses for price rises, when its just how the market works when there's shortages, prices go up. Price ceilings are ineffective as well, the real problem is the shortage not price hikes.

A sustainable solution is taking away barriers of entry. Someone seeing these constant problems in supply might see an opportunity and want to start a business, compete and try do things better. Supply might become less volatile and competition keeps monopoly pricing away. We take away competition its the consumers that are hurt.

Perhaps an argument for protecting local investors from competitors in particular sectors, is to help the industry grow to a point where these barriers will be taken away, and then they'll compete. But if its these barriers are based on the whim or feeling of politicians, there is little justification for these barriers, and it could be creating more problems than it solves.