Australia’s (late) New Year Resolutions
As we move into the new year many of us will be reflecting on the events of 2022 and making resolutions on ‘self-improvement’ to be made in 2023. Whilst we may be thinking about losing that couple of kilograms, getting that promotion or surviving to graduation, our ministers and policy makers will be drawing up their list of new year resolutions for Australian foreign policy. Without further ado, here are my top 3 things Australia should have on their new year resolutions this January.
1. Global Stability
Australia is a self-described ‘middle power’ who thrives in a world with firm rules and an unbreakable status quo. Australia as a sovereign power, dictating their own foreign policy, has so far, operated in a world where the order was known. Even through the Cold War, Australia could be certain who were allies, who was on top of the global order and what the playing field looked like. Australia cannot simply piggyback on American policy in 2023. Australia needs to be actively promoting global stability and this starts with their backyard, in the Indo-Pacific. The Russo-Ukrainian war does not currently directly impact Australia. It does however, present a dangerous precedent for how powers such as Russia might act. Australia therefore, needs to be on her guard and energetically supportive of partners such as Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea as they face regional threats. Pacific partners will need to be supported, but in a different way. It has been made clear to the Australian government that Pacific island states need bespoke aid against non-conventional threats such as climate change and Covid-19. Australia must show that they value their ‘Pacific Family’ with good action.
2. Climate Change
This leads directly into the issue of climate change. The Australian government has not made strides towards reducing carbon emissions in the many years of Liberal power. This despite the many serious threats that climate change poses to Australian lives and property such as bushfires and extreme flooding. With the ‘new’ Labor government, this must change. The opportunity for change is there and whilst Australia might not lead global emissions, per capita emissions are very high for Australia, a nation that prides itself on a pristine environment for large tourist incomes. Climate change also threatens the homes of many in the Pacific who provide seasonal work and regular migration to Australia. This is another good earner for the Australian economy who needs all the federal revenue possible to offset the massive spending taken in the midst of Covid-19 shutdowns. Australia is the land of sun and plenty and should be able to utilise the natural benefits of the land in a non-destructive manner to provide power to the citizens and jobs to those in need.
3. The China Issue
The elephant in room, so to speak. Australian foreign policy on China has had a continual dichotomy of wanting and needing the trade whilst wanting and needing to strategically oppose China to show adherence to the American system. A huge proportion of the Australian economy relies on exporting natural resources to China to fuel their economy. Putting aside commentary on the state of the Chinese economy and its ability to sustain incredible growth, the simple fact is and will continue to be for the foreseeable future that Australian economic growth relies on digging raw materials out of the ground and selling them overseas. The easiest buyer has been China for many years. As the relationship sours further, and the list of those who feel China goes too far grows, it may be time to diversify. And if Australia can begin to diversify in 2023 then Australia can go back to the profitable basics of being a middle power, providing stability for the region and leading the Indo-Pacific through a tumultuous period.
