Senate inquiry into Kidman sale block

The federal government's decision to block the foreign sale of S Kidman & Co, Australia's largest private landowner, will be scrutinised by a Senate inquiry.

The inquiry is backed by Labor, the Greens and crossbenchers, and will look at Treasurer Scott Morrison's decision to block the sale, as well as the Northern Territory government's decision to lease the Port of Darwin to a Chinese company.

The inquiry is due to report back in February 2016 and will look at whether there should be legal or regulatory changes to ensure the national interest is considered when it comes to assets of strategic or national significance being subject to lease or purchase by foreigners.