Bulletin

Issue: July 2006

Research in Action

Malcolm Fraser: missed chance for greater regional security

While Reflected Light demonstrated 'the breadth of the contribution and vision that this university has made to intellectual life in Australia', former Liberal Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Fraser, during his launch of the book, said: 'I don't think you will be surprised if I want to touch in a little more depth on the section headed 'The New Dominion'.

He said Australia's relationship across the Pacific was not a relationship between countries or governments. 'It is a relationship between two people. We know, within a little more than two years, that President Bush will be out. We have no real knowledge of what is likely to happen in Australia.

'I happen to believe that after Bush, in the United States those who have promoted and supported his policies will be regarded as inimical to American interests, perhaps even as pariahs. The United States is an open country and already there are many who talk of the gross mistakes. The Neo-Conservatives and the evangelical Christians are starting to fragment.

'If the next American administration does not want to know President Bush or his supporters and lieutenants, will they want to know those who have done most to encourage him from a country like Australia? Will our relationship with the United States fall, as the reputation and status of Bush and his lieutenants fall?

'Australia at the moment is regarded as a faithful implementer of President Bush's policies. In my view that represents a betrayal of Australia's basic interests. Robert Manne (in his article in Reflected Light) believes that Australia has become a new dominion, but this time a dominion of the United States. Is that code for saying that there are some who wish Australia to become the next State of the Union? I would take to the streets on that issue!

'To me all this represents a very significant missed opportunity. After the end of the Cold War we had the opportunity to exercise a much greater degree of independence without prejudicing ANZUS. It was an opportunity to create greater security for our own region.

'We ought to be speaking about these issues. I hope this book helps to promote a significant debate.'