The identity of Australia can be accessed by the policies that it has adopted on some issues. Many of Australia’s opinions and foreign policies have been modified as and how the government prefers at that moment or circumstance without thinking of the far reaching repercussions in the future for the Country and for its people..
Some of these foreign policies and global events are discussed in the following paragraphs.
After the 9/11 attack in the US, the Australian government has done its best to protect it’s countrymen from terrorists. They introduced punishment and justice for crimes performed. They also initiated strict measures, programs and penalties were all significantly changed to keep up with new threats around the world. Some communities feel threatened by the fundamental changes which affect their individual rights. It may be seen that changing the laws and policies for detention of suspects has brought some communities under negative exposure (Baldino.D. 2007)
Australia’s export of uranium to China is also a matter of debate. According to the news broadcast in PM (2006), it clears states that many conservationists believe that China will be encouraged to take the Iraq’s approach. There has to be some serious policies for process transparency so that the uranium is not used for nuclear weapons but only for peaceful environmental purposes. It is very important that Australia’s acts as a global citizen and facilitates all countries in Asia to have clean, renewable and efficient energy. It should also work towards making sure that there is no imposition or any hazardous burdens such as nuclear risks and waste management issues that the West has miserably failed to address.
Another significant event was the Bali bombing in 2002 in which most of the victims were Australians. After the verdict the government and the ministers strongly criticised the short sentence for a crime so demeaning. This verdict has also been seen by many Australian ministers as those which will strain the relations between both the nations (Taylor.R.S, 2002). Australia’s strong opinions called upon the then President Ms Megawati to fight terrorism with stern action and not to let extremist Islamists to disturb the governance and spread terrorism.
Australia has taken significant stand on issues pertaining to international concerns. Australia’s perspective is sometimes in contrast to what the other countries have, for instance lending uranium support to a Communist ruled China. It can also be seen that Australia although fights for justice in the case of Bali bombings and opposes the lack of fair dealings for its citizens, it can also change rules and fundamentals of democracy and governance to suit its purposes even if it means hurting the sentiments of the minority communities the Muslims. The policies can be considered sublime but it is also in contrast to applications of law in situations around the world. Australia does not have a firm policy that can be adapted for the general benefit of its masses but its selective measures are definitely hurting the freedom of many of its own people.
There are many similar incidents and events such as RAMSI, designated protectionism and climate change (Kyoto Protocol) and universal human rights issues. Australia makes substantial contribution to issues of international interest. So the government has to come with uniform measures and policies on international relations, terrorism, and environment impact keeping in mind the welfare of people around the world. If it wants to maintain an elevated position in international welfare, it is very important that the Australian government balances its relations with other countries with full consideration on the larger impact on other countries.
References
Baldino.D (2007). Good Instincts or Poor Judgment? Australia’s counter-terrorism
response after 9-11. APSA Conference. http://arts.monash.edu.au/psi/news-
and-events/apsa/refereed-papers/au-nz-politics/baldino.pdf
PM (2006). Australia sets ground rules over uranium exports to China. Brendan
Trembath. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1549575.htm
Taylor.R.S (2002). Terrorism in Indonesia. Indonesia and Australia: Bali’s Blackest
Day. World Press Review. VOL. 49, No.
12.http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/797.cfm
