Australia abandons Asian Century from foreign policy

The centrepiece of the Gillard government's foreign affairs strategy - the Australia in the Asian Century white paper - has been largely jettisoned by the Abbott government. Craig Emerson, who as a senior Labor minister was responsible for the white paper's implementation, said yesterday that he was surprised and disappointed the document and all its … Continue reading Australia abandons Asian Century from foreign policy

Australia gives up hope on China over free trade agreement

Australia has given-up hopes for a comprehensive free trade agreement with China and will instead focus its efforts on a scaled-back agriculture-focused deal with the Chinese government. The decision comes as China and Australia are deadlocked in negotiations on a free trade agreement because of a dispute about state-owned assets, trade minister Craig Emerson said. … Continue reading Australia gives up hope on China over free trade agreement

Australian university funding cuts would be risk to teacher quality

Monash University vice-chancellor Ed Byrne has warned that cuts to universities could come back to bite schools. Professor Byrne said good teachers were the defining element of good schools, and teachers were educated at universities. "Universities are operating on very fine margins, and after these cuts they will be even finer. They'll survive but there … Continue reading Australian university funding cuts would be risk to teacher quality

Australian Prime Minister surprisingly disregards threats made by China

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has declared that Australia can grow its relationship with China while "tending" to its friendship with the US, playing down tensions caused by an agreement to allow US marines to exercise near Darwin. She seems to have totally disregarded threats made by China against Australia, particularly a warning in May … Continue reading Australian Prime Minister surprisingly disregards threats made by China

Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott backs away from ‘move north’ plan

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is backing away from a draft coalition discussion paper proposing incentives and beneficial tax rates to encourage people to move to northern Australia. However, the plan - described as "wacky" by Labor - has received support from several premiers and Nationals members as well as maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter. The … Continue reading Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott backs away from ‘move north’ plan

Australian firms to ramp up China ventures

Australian companies are ramping up their investments in China as they express renewed confidence about the nation's economic growth while also warning of tougher competition from Chinese rivals. Almost three quarters of the Australian firms already operating in China are likely to expand their operations in the wake of the country's leadership transition late last … Continue reading Australian firms to ramp up China ventures