Election foreign policy debate ignores big questions

First, the Lowy Institute report from 2009  ‘Australia’s Diplomatic Deficit: Reinvesting in our instruments of foreign policy’. Second, the 2012 Report on the Inquiry into Australia’s Overseas Representation. The Rudd Government’s poor response to the Inquiry left many stakeholders deeply concerned especially those who made submissions in support of greater investment, expansion and innovation in Australia’s overstretched and under resourced diplomatic network and capabilities.

There is no doubt that DFAT has sharp minds and serious thinkers but the pool of exceptional diplomats is very small, under-resourced and not future ready.  To meet the challenges of the complex international environment that is changing and rapidly evolving a lot more investment and innovation is required. We need to seriously upgrade Australia’s capacity to thrive in the new global innovation driven economy and to navigate the multi-dimensional challenges that we will face in our region and globally. 

Ghandi has been quoted as saying actions reflect priorities. Judged by the actions of both the current Labor Government and the former Liberal Government, there is good reasons to be concerned that diplomacy and foreign aid will remain neglected at a time when they are most needed.

The Macedonian community in Australia will continue to press the Australian Government and the Australian Parliament to enhance its diplomatic footprint in South East Europe and to open a much needed Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia similar to what is in place in Zagreb, Croatia. Such a diplomatic post will meet the needs of Australians who visit country and help Australia to engage with the economic, political, social and cultural leaders and institutions in the region. The community also expects Australia to end the shameful de-legitimisation of Macedonia which has been in place since 1994 for no good foreign policy, economic or strategic benefit to Australia. This can be achieved by recognising the Republic of Macedonia under its legitimate constitutional name.