Thoughts on Foreign Policy: John McCarthy Lecture

On 29th July 2013, AIIA National President John McCarthy presented a lecture at the University of Tasmania discussing foreign policy for Australia's next Government. The lecture covered various relevant issues including asylum seekers, the Indo-Pacific, the Asian Century and Australia’s new seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Mr John McCarthy suggests that the issue of asylum seekers “has to be the priority of a new government”. In regard to the Indo-Pacific, “the appointment of a full Minister for Pacific Affairs –reporting to the Foreign Minister - would send the right signals about Australian political attention and commitment.” And Mr John McCarthy also believes “the decision to seek election to the Security Council was the right one. We are a middle power and should look to play our part in the international system –whatever its faults.”