Alan Ferguson (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade entitled Australia’s relationship with the Republic of Korea and developments on the Korean peninsula. I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

I seek leave to have my tabling statement incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

For over half a century Australia and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed an important and productive relationship. The RoK is the tenth largest economy in the world and the third largest in Asia. In 2005, the RoK was Australia’s third largest export market and fourth largest trading partner. Our trading relationship is complementary—Australia exports natural resources to the RoK and imports manufactured goods from the RoK.

This report reviews that trading relationship, but goes further to include issues such as cross-cultural understanding, and relations between Australian and Korean institutions, both government and non-government. The report also includes a commentary on issues concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea because of their potential impact on regional trade and security.

The relationship between Australia and the RoK is strong and exists on many levels. While there appear to be no major impediments to the relationship, there are opportunities at the margins to enhance the relationship.

Government to government interactions play an important role in setting the agenda in any bilateral relationship. Reciprocal visits by Australian and RoK Government Ministers are frequent and inter-government cooperation and consultation exists at many levels.

Australia and the RoK share a number of security interests in the Asia-Pacific region and the belief that cooperation in the areas of peacekeeping, consequence management, and defence industry cooperation are key focal points. The report recommends continued defence cooperation and further exploration of defence cooperation opportunities.

Trade is the mainstay in the Australia–RoK relationship. The report reviews trade between the two countries and the challenges facing the economic relationship. Organisations such as AusTrade, and the Australia-Korea Business Council provide valuable assistance to Australian exporters. There is, however, the potential to expand the trade undertaken by the small business sector. To this end the Committee has recommended that greater support be provided to small exporters, by way of organisations such as the Overseas Korean Traders Association.

Mr President, free trade agreements are another way to increase trade. However, any FTA between Australia and the RoK should not be at the expense of Australian and Korean cultural industries. As well, agriculture issues should be resolved early in any negotiations.

The provision of educational services is an important sector in Australia’s economy. The RoK is the second most important source country for foreign students studying in Australia. This market can be developed further through improving the educational experience of visiting students. The Committee has recommended an Internet-based forum be established for Korean students returning from Australia to collect feed back on the performance of Australian educators.

Many students visiting Australia for study purposes are accompanied by a guardian from that country. This may affect the risks presented by those students when they are granted a student visa. The Committee has recommended that the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs review the risks presents by such accompanied students and incorporate the result into the overall risk assessments for Korean students.

Cultural understanding enhances Australia’s relationship with the RoK and can be strengthened further. For example, Australian businesses can gain an understanding of Korean culture by engaging local representatives in the RoK. There are also opportunities to build greater cross–cultural understanding through sporting links and cultural exchanges.

The Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) is a key body promoting the Australia-RoK relationship. The AKF promotes exchanges and institutional links in many areas and at all levels. The Committee recognises the valuable work of the AKF and has reviewed the expertise contributed by board members. This expertise covers the areas of AKF focus and the majority of board members have direct experience working in the RoK. Nevertheless, the Committee has recommended that board membership include more members with an intimate knowledge of Korean society and culture.

The Committee received substantial evidence concerning the teaching of the Korean language and culture in Australian schools. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in Australian student interest in learning Korean. There are several reasons for this decline and the Committee presents a strategy to address this problem. Included in this strategy is the promotion of school exchange visits between Australia and the RoK. The Committee has recommended that the Department of Education, Science and Training promote such visits through direct funding, or by facilitating sponsorship from non-Commonwealth Government bodies.

There is a high level of collaboration between Australia and the RoK in science and technology research. The risk, however, is that this activity becomes piecemeal and uncoordinated. The Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training needs to take the lead in providing a strategic direction through the development of an action agenda.

The RoK occupies an important place in North Asia, situated between Japan and China, and has established itself as an economic force in the region and globally. It is important that Australia continues to maintain and grow its relationship with the RoK. I believe that this report, through its analysis and recommendations, will enhance what is already a strong relationship between the two countries.

In closing, Mr President, I would like to thank all those who provided submissions and gave evidence at the public hearings. Finally, I thank my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee who undertook the inquiry on behalf of the Committee, and the secretariat.

Mr President, I commend the report to the Senate.

I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.