Challenges for Real Bob Carr

The relationship has been seriously undermined, with Indonesia openly referring to the “dysfunction” of the Gillard government and its failure to consult Indonesia over matters affecting them .

Indonesian Trade Minister Wirjawan expressed concern over the government’s failure to consult Indonesia regarding an illegal logging bill which directly impacts on Indonesia’s forestry industry.

This comes on top of the damage inflicted by Julia Gillard’s unilateral announcement last year of a ban on live cattle sales to Indonesia after video footage collected by animal rights activists was broadcast on Australian television.

The Prime Minister failed to consult with Indonesia and failed to undertake a proper investigation before making her panicked decision.

Julia Gillard's announcement of East Timor as a regional processing centre for asylum seekers, without prior consultation with Indonesia or indeed with the government of East Timor caused offence.

This diplomatic blunder was compounded by her decision to announce the Malaysia five-for-one asylum seeker swap deal, again without prior consultation with Indonesia.

This is more than a breach of protocol, as it directly undermines the official forum of the Bali Process that was established to manage challenges associated with the flow of asylum seekers and people smuggling in our region.

The poisonous relationship that existed between Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd meant that the then Foreign Minister and his department were sidelined on these decisions, to Australia’s great cost.

Bob Carr will have his work cut out for him in restoring a sense of mutual trust and mutual respect in our relationship with Indonesia.

I have long been critical of the Labor Government’s neglect of our region and it is time for our diplomatic efforts to be refocused on our neighbourhood.

Mr Carr’s proposed visit to New Zealand to meet Pacific leaders is a good start but it must include a reappraisal of our relationship with Fiji.