If Morrison wins the election, he needs a new foreign minister
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If Morrison wins the election, he needs a new foreign minister.
A few weeks ago, Coalition officials were openly speculating that this would be a “khaki” election dominated by the darkening international scene.
It seemed likely that the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implication of the potential for conflict posed by China’s growing power in our own region would make voters focus on national security issues more than at any time since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US.
During the campaign, the Coalition has certainly tried to exploit this public concern, stressing its perceived strength on foreign policy and defence while claiming that Chinese President Xi Jinping was hoping for an ALP win. It tried to paint the ALP as inexperienced, weak and vulnerable to Chinese influence, citing the example of former Labor senator Sam Dastyari.
The Coalition has some important achievements including the landmark foreign-interference laws, the AUKUS defence pact with Britain and the US, and its more realistic approach to China.
Yet with a few days to go, the Coalition has failed to prove its superiority over Labor on the issue. There are many reasons for this failure, including the fact that Labor has made itself into a very small target by endorsing practically all the Coalition’s positions.
Yet, the Coalition should also look at its own failures, especially those of Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison felt the need to single her out for praise in his campaign launch on Sunday, expressing pride in her “realism” and dedication.
In fact, she has been a weak link. She must bear responsibility for the diplomatic failures on her watch which likely contributed to adverse outcomes for Australia’s national security such as the security pact between China and Solomon Islands.
She should have spoken in person with her Solomon Islands counterpart about the deal before it was signed but instead left the job to bureaucrats and a junior minister.
While she may be well briefed on her portfolio, she has made little impact as a representative of Australia on the world stage. Compared to past foreign affairs ministers such as Julie Bishop, she has been almost invisible in the media and actively avoids it. Public diplomacy is an important part of the job but she has all-but abandoned that aspect.
From an External Source.
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