The outlook for Australian foreign policy: a Labor perspective

If Australia is to prosper in times of unprecedented international change, we will require a foreign policy based on independent strategic judgment and a wholehearted commitment to engagement with our Asian neighbours. We need a foreign policy characterised by ambition, intelligence and innovation. Here, I repeat, this year's federal election will involve an important choice about our nation's international direction. It will be a choice between an insular government inclined to stand aloof from Asia, and an opposition determined to pursue closer engagement. It will be a choice between a Prime Minister who looks at Asia without enthusiasm and a Beazley Labor Government committed to embrace our future with Asia. It will be a choice between a government of limited foreign policy ambition and a return to Labor's diplomatic activism. A Beazely Labor Government will be absolutely committed to pressing ahead with the hard but exciting work of securing Australia's future in Asia and the wider world.