Africa-Australia dialogue. In the course of researching both my doctorate and my interest in the economic and strategic rise of China, a common theme has emerged - the strategic, economic and social significance of continental Africa to Australia. This has led to a research and policy interest on my part in greater engagement with African states and greater inclusion of African-Australians in such engagement. I have subsequently been speaking with a former CSU post-graduate intelligence student of mine, Arsene Bounda, who has introduced me to key members of the African-Australian community. The following is an overview of my policy vision regarding an increased Africa-Australia dialogue - this has been provided to sectors in the African-Australian community for comment: "The fundamental premise of this overview of my vision for African-Australian dialogue is that Australia must embrace both its relationship with continental Africa, and our African-Australian residents and citizens as a strategic, economic and social imperative. It is incumbent on politicians to place greater emphasis on the Africa-Australia relationship, that is, put continental Africa on the map, from the strategic, economic and social perspectives. Africa is the 21st Century. Africa as a strategic imperative As a former Army officer, strategic analyst and Defence policy adviser, I can see that Australia’s abiding interest in the stability of East Asia should not displace its interest in the African continent. This need to maintain dialogue and engagement with African states has been recognised in the Labor government’s broader foreign policy but has largely been overlooked in the Coalition’s foreign policy statements. Australia has, for many years, contributed peacekeeping and reconstruction elements to conflict areas in Africa. It is strategically critical that relationships are further developed between continental Africa and Australia. African culture and language driving business innovation Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has articulated a plan to meet the challenges the world throws at us. This plan includes government ‘working with business to innovate and ensure Australia is making things the world wants to buy’. In a globalised economy, such innovation demands that businesses use the resources at their disposal in a strategic and effective manner. In Australia, one of our greatest resources is cultural diversity. In what is becoming the African Century, Australian business must embrace the diverse cultural and language skill-set of our African-Australian residents and citizens. It makes economic sense to exploit this knowledge in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy. As Australian business has engaged with Asia, and particularly China, by utilizing its Chinese-Australian human resources, so too must it utilize its African-Australian human resources in a bid to better engage with African states. Empowerment through education and inclusion As a former police officer and prosecutor in western Sydney, I have seen first hand the increasing involvement of African migrant youth in the criminal justice system. Education and inclusion in innovative processes of business engagement with Africa, as contemplated above, is a means by which African-Australian youth can be empowered – using and augmenting existing cultural and language skills for mutual benefit." Today I spoke with Patricia Attard Daniels, founding director and CEO of the Africa House Project. This is an outstanding initiative which deserves the support of the Australian Parliament and the Australian business sector. This is a work in progress ... more to follow. Glenn
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 12:58:45 +0000
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