That's nothing new. During the recessions of the 90s and 00s, it was the Americans who came in and snapped up Australian companies as bargains. Mainly food companies such as Arnotts Biscuits, etc.
Foreign Investment Board braces for Chinese takeovers of distressed Australian assets
And just some ruminations and guesses with no concrete examples. The Australian government can easily pass laws to block all sorts of takeovers including from the Chinese or Private Equity firms.
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/us-ownership-of-aus...