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

I am elaborating on the question. The consultation was widespread, and it was Senator Ludlam himself who raised the question of the role of the United States in the Asia-Pacific. I am saying that any white paper that charts Australia's future in Asia would have to acknowledge the presence there of the United States and that, overwhelmingly, the nations of the region want a United States presence. This is particularly marked when you consider the views of ASEAN. In recent weeks we have had visits here from Singapore's defence, foreign and trade ministers, from Myanmar's foreign minister, from the President of the Philippines and the foreign minister— (Time expired)