Australia: Return to the Future of an Asian Century vs. the Anglosphere Colonial Past

Recently the Lowy Institute in Sydney published an article by Leigh Howard titled ‘Asia skills critical to Australia’s economic future and security’, now with a new Albanese Labor government with Penny Wong as Foreign Minister.

One would argue that these skills, whether Asian language and/or literacy, were highlighted generations ago, especially with the end of the white Australia policy and later the reforming Hawke Keating Labor government, with Gareth Evans as Foreign Minister.

During that government their policies and ‘Asia’ were criticised and dog whistled by conservative Anglophile monarchist opposition leader John Howard, who later became Liberal National Party coalition government Prime Minister.

Howard’s government, as was later PM Tony Abbott’s, were characterised by nativist dog whistling of anything non Anglo-Irish or European, refugees, Islam, etc. informed by Tanton Network ideology or eugenics, while promoting radical right libertarian economic policies of Koch Network think tanks, media consolidation centring round Murdoch’s NewsCorp, while looking up to the UK and USA over Australia’s own interests.

The latter governments held up or stymied Australia’s role and status in the region for a generation, now a time for a reset and to be reflected by Australia’s diversity and upcoming generations, understanding the importance of Asia socially and economically.

‘Asia skills critical to Australia’s economic future and security

LEIGH HOWARD

Regional expertise needs to extend well beyond base literacy and towards a more Asia-capable workforce.

The Albanese government will hold its Jobs and Skills Summit next week in Canberra amid fierce debate about immigration, skills shortages, real wage growth and an uncertain economic outlook. A critical balancing act for the government will be to elevate the summit’s focus beyond the economic ailments of the day and develop a strong vision for the future that sets Australia up for enduring economic prosperity. As Australia’s largest trading partner, Asia’s growth trajectory must be factored into the government’s calculations.

Twelve of Australia’s largest fifteen trading partners are in Asia, accounting for two-thirds of Australia’s total exports. The contribution of trade to Australia’s economy is significant, representing more than 40 per cent of nominal GDP and providing employment for more than 2.2 million Australians working in trade-related activities. Over the next ten years, Asia will deliver two-thirds of global growth. The International Monetary Fund predicts that in 2023 the growth rates of India, Vietnam and Indonesia will be among the highest in the world, and higher than that of China.

Generating growth in Australia’s digital economy, renewables and advanced manufacturing sectors will be supported by Asian expansion.

Asian trading partners will impact Australia’s economy more as they continue to grow in size, affluence and purchasing power. Industrialisation, urbanisation, trade liberalisation and digital innovation are shifting the demands from Asian markets. Their appetite for clean and green produce, quality education services, healthcare and clean energy transition plays to many of Australia’s current and emerging strengths. In many instances, generating growth in Australia’s digital economy, renewables and advanced manufacturing sectors will be supported by Asian expansion…..

……Australian employers will increasingly need to draw on a talent pool with skills relevant to doing business with Asia. This needs to go beyond base literacy (a foundation that should be delivered by our education system) and cursory awareness of the region. It will require an Asia-capable workforce skilled in the business, cultural and regulatory environments specific to each market of interest.  These capabilities will elevate the ability of Australian employers to tailor their business models to meet the needs of diverse consumer markets, enhance commercial negotiations across different cultures, effectively execute in-market, and respond quickly to emerging opportunities….

…..Despite the economic headwinds flagged by the treasurer’s recent statement to parliament, there are grounds for optimism given Australia’s prospects with Asia – but it’s a choice: either equip Australia’s workforce with the Asia capabilities that enable businesses to make the most of the burgeoning Asia opportunity, thereby preparing Australians for the jobs of the future, or submit to the economic quicksand of complacency.

For other related articles and blog posts see below:

Australia Return to the Anglosphere – Ignoring the Australian Eurasian Society and the Asian Century

Asian Century Starts 2020?

History of Globalisation and 21st Century

Monopoly Media Bias in Australia

Media on China and Wuhan Virus – Critical Analysis or Political PR?

The Beast Reawakens 1997 – Review – Radical Right Populism in Europe and the Anglosphere