Australia’s National Interests

Senator VAN: It's really only one question, but it might take up a block of time. It's for you, Minister. From a foreign affairs point of view, can you articulate what Australia's national interests are?

Senator Wong: Assuring our security, our prosperity and our economic security. Obviously, we have an interest in the international system, the multilateral system, rules and norms, dealing with disputes et cetera. We have an interest in our region. We have an interest in the alliance. I don't know that you could do an exhaustive list, but fundamentally it is about ensuring and assuring that Australia is safe, secure and prosperous in the world.

Senator VAN: Okay, thank you. I thought you might go a bit longer.

Senator Wong: I'm happy to. How does it manifest in different areas? I think it manifests first in the UN system. Whilst it may not be perfect, we, as a middle power, want a world where disputes are resolved by engagement, negotiation and by reference to rules, norms and international tribunals where necessary. We don't want a world in which disputes are resolved by power alone—by the use or threat of force. We have an interest in peace. Everything we do—whether it's in our region, in our relationship with China, in our relationships with other powers—is about trying to assure peace and find ways in which conflict and competition can be dealt with in ways that don't threaten peace. We have an interest in open, predictable trading arrangements. We have an interest in human rights and universal principles. We have an interest in the Pacific, in ensuring that members of the Pacific family provide security. There are many areas where we would articulate in the narrow—in the specific—what Australia's interests are. But I think that the highest level is about: what is it that we have to do in order to best assure and safeguard Australia's security and prosperity? That's what we should always be doing.

Senator VAN: Thank you, Minister.