Not really, with all the international students coming back to learn English, I would not think Putonghua necessary but I think every Australian needs to learn English very well and converse with the Chinese in English. English will be the Lingua Franca of the whole world, all Americans are learning English now.
They are even getting Spanish out of the subways. President Xi would have learnt English if it was not for his Father’s exile. he may make a request for all mainlanders to learn English just as well as Hong Kongers. that may be a way of building bridges and silk roads than the Party’s nonsensical attempts of yesteryear.
Morality is important as well. I think Peter Dutton’s morality may be more favored by the Chinese as compared with Malcolm and Scott Morrison. they liked Tony Abbott for that.
Gladys Liu would probably make a better Treasurer than Josh Frydenberg but then again everyone else probably could as well.
