More aid is not the way to regain our regional influence

We need to have it as a high national policy priority - and one we should proudly promote!

Our regional neighbours that are democratic are under constant challenge. The expansion of China's influence is just a new and more complex and demanding challenge.

If we have robust, transparent and free elections in our region, underpinning modern and representative parliaments, we are contributing positively to a democratic region that when really challenged will reject China's  undemocratic and oppressive approaches to "governance", let alone freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.   

Our elections process is far from perfect, but it does offer a beacon to our region in its underlying principles.

Promoting regional democracy and accountability ought to be our number strategic priority for our next national government AND Parliament.

And it is equally important what all Australians interested in the security and stability of our region demand both the next government and parliament do so!