Capture the essence of the Colombo Plan
Written by Julie Bishop Thursday, 27 October 2011
Published in The Australian's Higher Education supplement
As a nation Australia is exquisitely positioned to reap the benefits of the re-emergence of Asia as a global economic and strategic powerhouse.
Already the influence of Asia’s economic development is reaching into Australia society, altering the balance of our economy and the composition of our workforce.
The total number of middle class consumers in Asia is expected to grow by more than 1.2 billion people by 2020, which will present significant opportunities for Australia beyond the mineral resources sector.While I welcome the government’s initiative in the form of a White Paper on Asia, I remain sceptical as to whether its recommendations will be ever implemented by this Government.
Of particular concern was the Prime Minister’s statement in relation to the proposed White Paper that “Australia hasn’t been here before”.
This reveals a lack of understanding or appreciation of the significant investment that previous Australian governments, businesses, professionals, universities and other institutions, groups and organisations have committed over decades to the development of strategies to deepen our engagement in Asia.
Indeed some of my more challenging work during the early to mid-1990s related to building and maintaining a network of prominent legal practices throughout the Asia Pacific. This network, still going strong today, was a serious investment of time and resources as we developed strategies to expand legal practice into the many and diverse jurisdictions and legal systems in Asia.
My lasting impression of this experience, which involved visiting law firms throughout the Asia Pacific region and meeting their clients and staff, was the need to nurture and maintain relationships that would prove to be enduring.
Traditional diplomacy matters and a mature, consistent and stable dialogue with our neighbours and the countries in our region is imperative.
In Opposition, Kevin Rudd was fond of paying lip service to the importance of good diplomacy. In a 2001 speech at the University of Melbourne, he stated that a secure Australia means doing old things better, “old things like having decent relations with our neighbours and the region at large”.
By this standard, Australia is far less secure under the Rudd-Gillard Labor Government than at any time in recent history given the number of embarrassing mishaps that have damaged relations with key friends and partners in the region.
One area that requires enhancement and refinement is the field of public diplomacy, promoting our national interests including our national security through greater understanding of, advocacy with, listening to and influencing countries and peoples in our region.
Much more must be done to broaden the dialogue between Australian citizens, Australian institutions, private groups and other diverse interests and elements within our society and their counterparts in countries in Asia.
I have long argued that mutual understanding and engagement with our region can be achieved if Australia can commit to the exchange of information, ideas, values and beliefs that can occur through greater two-way student exchange.
While many student exchange programs are supported through private sector organisations and our universities, direct government support for student exchange programs is limited.
Through the Colombo Plan, the Menzies Government reached out to our region, drawing in the best and the brightest students in the region to universities in Australia.
Students who came to Australia under this plan developed a lasting impression and an understanding of our country and its way of life.
It built a legacy of enduring friendships and understanding between peoples and countries in our region. Students gained a precious insight into Australia’s political process, our values and our interests.
Many Colombo Plan recipients have assumed positions of leadership in the region. For example, Indonesian Vice President Dr Boediono is a recipient of a Colombo Plan scholarship and an undergraduate of the University of Western Australia.
It would be a worthwhile exercise to renew contact with the Colombo Plan alumni from 1950 to 1985 given that no complete record exists. This represents a lost opportunity of continuing engagement with a significant body of people who have a deep understanding of Australia.
Strengthening alumni associations of students who study in Australia generally could contribute significantly to our efforts in public diplomacy.
A new scheme that captures the ideals and spirit of the Menzies era is again needed but whereas Menzies brought students here, we must also now work to send our students overseas to study.
Given the opportunities and challenges that Asia’s re-emergence will present, increasing the number of two-way student exchanges between Australia and the region will not only help promote greater understanding and awareness, but also open up a new generation of networks that Australia can draw upon in the future.
It is essential that we have a body of young people who have not only enriched their own experience and expertise but also that of our nation by studying at educational institutions in Asia.
It would send a powerful message that we are truly interested in establishing enduring people-to-people links.
I also believe it is time for mandatory second language education to be incorporated into our national schools curriculum.
Cultural diplomacy, with exchanges in sport and the arts must also be a focus of our future investment in our region.
Only through embracing ideas at home and through smart diplomacy abroad, that focuses on Asia, can Australia properly prepare itself for the changes that lie ahead.
As has often been said, geography will shape our destiny.
Julie Bishop is shadow minister for foreign affairs. This is an edited extract of speech to Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University October 20.
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