STRAIT Brands managing director Philip Ridyard has voiced his concern after Palmer United Party Senator Jaqui Lambie suggested the ‘‘communist Chinese’’ military could invade Australia.
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In a statement yesterday, Mr Ridyard slammed Ms Lambie, calling her comments ‘‘intemperate’’.
Mr Ridyard believes Senator Lambie’s comments could have the ability to destroy market relationships with Chinese investors.
‘‘Personally, I am incensed that (Ms Lambie’s) comments have destroyed years of work and relationships I, and others in Tasmania, have developed,’’ he said.
Mr Ridyard stated he had spent eight years ‘‘nuturing’’ the Chinese and Asian markets for spirits, bottled water and food.
The Northern Tasmanian resident also said he was in the middle of negotiations with Chinese investors, with an investment likely to exceed $20million ‘‘for a Tasmanian business based near Beaconsfield’’.
‘‘The loss of face is critical to the Chinese,’’ he said.