Blog
Vote - or else?
Written by Julie Bishop Wednesday, 03 March 2010
Published on Fairfax's National Times websiteWhat does Australia have in common with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Fiji and Greece?
How about Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nauru, Peru, Singapore, Turkey and Uruguay?
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, these are the nations that, along with Australia, have compulsory voting in national parliamentary elections and enforce it through fines, sanctions and other penalties.Rudd must show courage on Afghanistan as opposition to war mounts
Written by Julie Bishop Thursday, 25 February 2010
Published on Fairfax’s National TimesThe recent collapse of the Dutch Government over its commitment to the NATO-led forces in Afghanistan is an example of the inevitable tension that arises in Western democracies between a government’s long-term commitment to a military deployment, public opinion and the electoral cycle.
Australia Condemns Racial Attacks
Written by Julie Bishop Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Published on The Wall Street Journal website at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704188104575082741499525642.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Those who break the law will be punished.
As fellow Indian Ocean powers, Australia and India share common values—a tradition of parliamentary democracy, Commonwealth membership, not to mention a passion for cricket. Australia recognizes the potential benefits that a strong bilateral relationship would offer, which is why our current bilateral discord is troubling.Tony Abbott's made a world of change in 80 days
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
By Ross Fitzgerald | From: The Daily Telegraph
THE adventures of Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's 1873 novel Around The World In Eighty Days, remind us of the epic journey that lies ahead for Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. Fogg accepted a wager that required him to circumnavigate the globe, by whatever transport means then available, in a seemingly impossible 80 days.Broken Promise on Burma
Written by Julie Bishop Thursday, 18 February 2010
Published on Fairfax’s National Times online: http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/the-bishops-gambit/broken-promise-on-burma/20100217-ocll.html
As the saying goes "a man who promises everything is sure to fulfil nothing".
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is coming under intense scrutiny over his failure to deliver on his many election promises.
The litany of broken promises on the domestic front runs from failing to act on petrol and grocery prices and failing to fix public hospitals by mid-2009, to failing to ensure that no worker would be worse off and no business would face higher costs under Labor’s new workplace and awards system.The diabolical Iranian dilemma
Written by Julie Bishop Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Published on Fairfax’s National Times online: http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/politics/the-diabolical-iranian-dilemma-20100210-nq48.html
Tomorrow, February 11 marks the 31st anniversary of the overthrow of the Shah and the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran under supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini.
In light of the post-election violence in Tehran last June, it is predicted that the anniversary celebrations will be marred by clashes between Iranian security forces and pro-democracy protesters.
Iran continues to face domestic turmoil with ongoing security crackdowns on political dissent and reports that thousands of citizens have been detained while the media has been greatly restricted.Our relationship with India should be about more than cricket
Written by Julie Bishop Thursday, 04 February 2010
Published on Fairfax’s National Times online: http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/our-relationship-with-india-should-be-about-more-than-cricket-20100204-ne7e.html
A long-term major focus of Australia’s international relations has been on East Asia, predominantly the economic giants of Japan, China and South Korea, while there has been lesser focus on the nations of the Indian Ocean.
India has the potential to be a valuable strategic partner and can be a policy linchpin in our relations with the Indian Ocean region.
Australia, at the south eastern tip of the Indian Ocean, and India, at its northern shores, share broad common values with a tradition of parliamentary democracy, membership of the Commonwealth and a passion for the national sport of cricket.The Centurion takes to the surf at Cottesloe beach
Written by Julie Bishop Monday, 25 January 2010
Throughout history boats have been christened in the hope of ensuring good fortune for future voyages.
While in traditional christening services sacrifices were made to the gods and often centralised around the use of blood and wine, present services tend to involve a champagne bottle being broken across the bow.
In marking its centenary season, Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club recently unveiled its new boat The Centurion which I was honoured to christen at a dusk service on Cottesloe beach.Rudd all talk and no action on ageing
Written by Julie Bishop Thursday, 21 January 2010
Future generations are facing a massive and growing debt burden(Published in The West Australian 25 January 2010)
There is an old saying that actions speak louder than words.
Prime Minister Rudd gave a series of speeches this past week talking big about the need to boost productivity and to reduce government spending to enable the nation to deal with the challenges of an ageing population.
Mr Rudd has been talking as if this problem has only just come to his attention but it is worth noting the first Intergenerational Report that highlighted this challenge was released by then Treasurer Costello 8 years ago, in 2002, and it was updated in 2007.Our continued support of Afghanistan is vital to combating the Taliban
Thursday, 07 January 2010
Article from the PartyRoom journal | Issue 7 Summer 2009
The recent attack on Pakistan’s military headquarters by Taliban extremists must harden the resolve of the members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, including Australia.
The efforts of the Pakistan government to repress extremists within its borders would not be assisted by any lessening of international commitment to neighbouring Afghanistan.
It is unthinkable for the Taliban to gain control of Pakistan – a nation with a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons.
It is also vital that we never lose sight of the original purpose of the NATO-led forces, which was to defeat the Taliban extremists ruling Afghanistan and who were providing Al-Qaeda with a base from which to conduct its murderous campaign of international terrorism.
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