Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am grateful for the question but disappointed that the interjectors from the opposite side seem to think that this is no longer relevant to Australia. The white paper, Australia in the Asian century, is very positive news for all Australians. It provides the foundation and the framework for future engagement in our region. It is a plan to make sure that we take advantage of the developments in Asia and it identifies national objectives across five key areas in which we must act. This is vitally important to Australia leveraging the best possible outcomes we can off the opportunities that exist. The priorities include building on our economic strength, enhancing education and skills, strengthening business ties and expanding and integrating regional markets, deepening relationships at all levels from sport to diplomacy and, finally, sustaining the security of our diverse region. The objectives outlined in the white paper are not limited to the role of government; it is a plan for the whole nation—for business, for unions, for students and for ordinary Australians.

The Prime Minister commissioned the white paper to ensure that we could make clear choices and we could plan the way forward because we know that if we get this right all Australians will benefit from more skills, more jobs and higher incomes, and businesses both large and small will have access to more markets and greater investments. A key part of this is about allowing our students to be more Asia literate, to promote understanding of Asian language and culture; it is also about building broader strengths in the years ahead so that every sector of our economy is dynamic, productive and engaged. As a nation, we must continue to respond to the complex challenges of the Asian century. If we do not, we will be left behind.