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Where We Live – Scott Morrison’s Asialink Address On Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a major speech on foreign policy, emphasising the important of the rule-based trading system and free trade.

Morrison

Morrison emphasised Australia’s willingness to engage in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the importance of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), whilst maintaining the relevance of the Australia, New Zealand, United States (ANZUS) alliance.

Morrison warned of “gathering clouds in the global economy”. He said a worsening trading relationship between China and the United States “is not inevitable”.

“We embrace free trade, global engagement and an international system where we agree rules, stick to them and honour our commitments,” Morrison said.

Watch Morrison’s speech (34m):

Listen to Morrison (34m):

Transcript of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “Where We Live” Address to Asialink-Bloomberg.

PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON: Thank you to Asialink and Bloomberg for the opportunity to address you here today prior to my attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Osaka this weekend.

Today I want to talk about our plan to foster an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, consistent with our national interests.

I would like to set out the principles, consistent with our national values, that will guide my Government’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. [Read more…]


Keating Warns Against Tillerson’s South China Sea Adventurism

Former prime minister Paul Keating has criticised remarks by the US Secretary of State-designate, Rex Tillerson, regarding what he terms “adventurism” over the South China Sea.

Keating issued a statement following remarks by Tillerson at his confirmation hearings in Washington DC. Tillerson said that a “signal” should be sent to China over its access to islands in the South China Sea. He said that American allies should be there to “show back-up”.

Keating says Australia should have no part of such adventurism, as it should have had no part in the Iraq war 15 years ago.

Statement by Paul Keating.

Keating


We Cannot Be Complacent: Malcolm Turnbull On Orlando Shootings

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has responded to the overnight shootings in Orlando, Florida, in which 50 people were shot and at least as many more injured.

Turnbull described the killings as “an act of terror and an act of hate”.

Later in the day, after he had spoken to the US Ambassador to Australia, John Berry, Turnbull said: “This was a murderous attack on gay people in this nightclub. Many people of course could be victim of an attack like that. We don’t have all the details but it was clearly directed by a murderous hatred of gay people exercising their freedom to gather together.” [Read more…]


Labor’s Foreign Policy: Tanya Plibersek Speech To Lowy Institute

The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tanya Plibersek, has addressed the Lowy Institute on the ALP’s approach to foreign policy.

Plibersek’s theme was Australia’s national interest and good international citizenship.

Her speech dealt with Australia’s role in the Asian region, the ANZUS alliance, engagement with international forums, and foreign aid.

  • Listen to Plibersek (55m)
  • Watch Plibersek (56m)

Transcript of ALP Shadow Foreign Minister Tanya Plibersek’s speech to the Lowy Institute. [Read more…]