Coalition to pursue power to block deals such as Victoria's belt and road agreement with China

Coalition to introduce laws to prevent Australian governments and universities making detrimental' deals with foreign powers

The Morrison government will pursue new powers to stop state, territory and local governments and universities entering agreements with foreign governments that it considers detrimental to Australia's foreign policy objectives.

The government will introduce legislation next week empowering the foreign affairs minister to review and cancel agreements - such as Victoria's decision to sign up to China's belt and road initiative - if the commonwealth judges the arrangement adversely affects Australia's foreign relations.