Page 3544 - Week 11 - Thursday, 23 October 2014
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The progress made during this short visit to Asia is an important next step in the government’s objective of maximising the benefits to the ACT of Asia’s economic expansion. As we said in response to the commonwealth white paper on the Asian century, it will be the cities and regions which foster closer ties, embrace cultural exchange and create the conditions to grow trade which will enjoy the most success in this era.
The ACT’s unique economic advantages—our exciting IT sector, smart and agile workforce and a high level of cultural literacy—are well recognised and respected among our Asian neighbours. Making the most of these qualities requires an active and ongoing strategy, and my trip has made further progress against the key deliverables set out in that framework: exporting education, close city-to-city relationships, forging new business and investment ties, and supporting student networks.
As we look ahead to expanding this agenda, the government will continue to work locally with our business and education sectors to develop relationships in China and other countries in the region. Missions led by the Deputy Chief Minister are also directed toward this goal. For us there is a clear and vital connection back to the priorities of growing and diversifying the ACT economy and broadening its base. A greater international engagement is a key source of strength, growth and employment at a time when commonwealth employment and expenditure continue to be cut.
Reflecting more broadly on this vision for engagement in Asia, it is appropriate that I pause to again reflect on the true trailblazer in this relationship—the catalyst for much of Australia’s national prosperity in the last 40 years, Gough Whitlam. He saw the need to normalise relations with China a full two decades before he achieved it—and before he convinced the Labor Party to adopt it as policy. In reflecting on the change he was able to institute in office, Whitlam reflected on the fact that, at least in this instance, his timing was very fortunate. He said that his decisions would have been much the same regardless of timing, but that it was, to quote, “a great thing for me and my colleagues just not to have to waste time pushing against the wind on matters like China … a relief to be moving on the wave of great events rather than swimming against the tide”. The relationship we enjoy today with counterparts in China owes more to his vision than any other, and as current beneficiaries we retain a strong sense of gratitude in carrying it forward.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the Australian consul-general in Hong Kong—and in Guangzhou, which also represents Shenzhen—and their staff, for the support they provided to the mission, and Tourism Australia and Austrade, who are also keen participants in the program.
Overall, with the student exchange that we have announced and will proceed to advertise for shortly, and with the MOU that we signed with the mayor of Shenzhen, great opportunities will flow from this short but important mission.
I table the following paper:
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