The impact of the nationalist sentiment on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Australia

This paper discusses the development of economic nationalist feelings in Australia which underpin the formation of the 'national interest' criterion in legislation which is used to screen foreign direct investment (FDI) applications. Currently the criterion is not defined, is open to interpretation and political influence which potentially creates uncertainty for foreign investors. The paper presents arguments for the refinement of the 'national interest' criterion through the establishment of guidelines to aid in its interpretation.