MT1/96
Media Release
6 January 1996
Engagement Requires Leadership, Leadership Requires Engagement
The Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, said today Australia's
engagement with Asia is an outcome of geographical reality, not an attempt
to create some new identity for Australia. Senator McMullan was addressing
the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion Conference in Melbourne.
"The fact is that we already have a uniquely Australian identity, and
we're proud of it," Senator McMullan said.
"Our identity is drawn from the traditions of indigenous peoples of
Australia, from our Anglo-Celtic legacy, and the diverse inheritances of
the waves of migrants who have come to Australia over the past 200 years.
"Our engagement with Asia is now itself an important influence on the
evolution of our identity. Our identity is not set in concrete nor do we
live in some kind of cultural time warp. We have continued to evolve as
a nation and we must continue to do so."
Senator McMullan said that while we cannot turn our backs on the forces
of change, we can seek to harness and accommodate them in ways that contribute
to our national well-being and social cohesion.
"That requires a coherent and consistent vision for Australia and our
place in the world, and it requires an honest and committed effort to articulate
that vision and build positive acceptance for it within the Australian community.
"Undoubtedly, one of the defining elements of what is required of effective
contemporary national leadership for Australia over the next decade is the
ability to deepen Australia's engagement with our region.
"What possible confidence can anyone have in John Howard's ability
to lead Australia's engagement with Asia when he shirks the responsibility
to engage the Australian people in any meaningful way about the future he
proposes for us?," Senator McMullan said.
Further information:
Brendan Sheehan, 0411 414 695
John Flannery, 0411 414 691, (06) 288 0371