Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

In a word, yes. From the signing of the 1957 trade agreement with Japan to the Howard government's response to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, traditionally there has been bipartisan support. Today, however, that bipartisanship is strained by a coalition desire to narrow the foreign policy focus and to limit Australia's focus to 'the Anglo sphere'. Talk of a 'Neighbourhood Watch scheme for Western values' I brand out of date—I brand it simplistic. It fails to capture the depth and breadth of Australia's interest in and commitment to Asia.

We have a big choice in foreign policy here: this government, engaged globally with this special focus on Asia and what it represents to Australia, and a coalition who want to beat a retreat to what they call 'the Anglo sphere'. (Time expired)