AUSTRALIA 2020 SUMMIT OUTCOMES

Australia's future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world 

• Australia 2020 Initial Report [1]

The main focus of the outcomes of this stream was on creating programs which would draw Australia into closer contact with its key trading partners China, Japan, India and the US, including the creation of four high-level study institutes covering these four key partners, and the establishment of an Australia-Japan Regional Peacekeeping Centre.

The main suggestions were an increased focus on regional literacy and language programs so that Australians could develop a better understanding of our closest neighbours and trading partners. This included more focus on recruiting foreign language teachers, and linking young Australians with the region through student exchange programs. Closer political and economic integration with the Pacific is also on the cards through resource partnerships, increased labour mobility, and the creation of a confederation linking Australia with our smaller island neighbours.

On a grander scale, the group suggested the establishment of a regional energy security forum and regular reporting on the state of the US-Australian alliance every three years.

Delegates in this group also called for:

• a reaffirmation of our commitment to working in international institutions and to the international rule of law
• a properly resourced nuclear disarmament diplomacy
• deeper institutional engagement to nation and peace building
• the establishment of a broader concept of security which accounts for the challenges posed by climate change

Are these really an appropriate response to the security challenges facing Australia? Did the threat of terrorism disappear with the Howard government?

To read pre-Summit submissions by Open Forum participants, click here [1].