Australia's treaty row with Hong Kong means help with police investigations 'on hold'

After Australia suspended the extradition treaty over China's national security laws, Hong Kong hit back by pausing the mutual legal assistance treaty

Australian law enforcement agencies have made seven requests to Hong Kong for help with investigations that will now be placed on hold" because a legal assistance treaty is in limbo, an inquiry has heard.

After the Australian government announced it would suspend the extradition treaty because of concerns about the impact of China's sweeping new national security laws, Hong Kong authorities hit back by informing Australia a second treaty - the mutual legal assistance treaty - would also be paused.