Australia in the World

Ep. 100: Foreign Minister Penny Wong

Aug 16, 2022

Penny Wong, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and a Senator, shares insights on her demanding role. She discusses the importance of 'thinking time' for effective governance amidst constant responsibilities. The conversation touches on Australia's evolving identity in foreign policy and the value of empathy in international relations. Wong emphasizes the need for public trust in democracy and the delicate balance between secrecy and accountability in diplomacy. She also reflects on how the Albanese government influences Australia’s global posture.

26:43

Creator website

Episode guests

Penny Wong

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Penny Wong emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in enhancing Australia's global diplomatic relations, particularly in a multicultural context.

The episode discusses the need for a cohesive approach among government departments to strengthen Australia's diplomatic capabilities in a complex global landscape.

Deep dives

The Importance of Foreign Policy Engagement

The episode highlights the significance of Australia's foreign policy in shaping national interests, security, and societal outcomes. The speakers reflect on the engagement of Australians in international affairs, emphasizing how interconnected domestic issues such as health, environment, and even sports are with foreign relations. The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stresses that the present geopolitical landscape presents unparalleled challenges, reinforcing the need for proactive engagement in shaping these dynamics. This reflection reinforces the notion that informed and engaged citizens can significantly contribute to the discourse around foreign policy, enhancing Australia's position and influence globally.

Intro

2min

Australia's Foreign Policy and Multicultural Identity

8min

The Importance of Thinking Time in Governance

2min

Diplomacy and Democracy: Australia's Global Role

12min

Reflections on Reading, Entertainment, and Milestone Celebrations

2min

For the 100th episode of Australia in the World, Allan and Darren welcome Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong.

Allan begins by asking the Minister “why this job?” given her heavy additional responsibilities, and how she is able to carve out “thinking time” given the non-stop nature of her role. The hosts are thrilled to hear that Senator Wong listens to the podcast, and even listened to recent episode where her own speeches were discussed! Darren raises her Kuala Lumpur speech with a question about the links between Australia’s interests and its evolving modern identity. He then harks back to the Senator’s first speech to the Australian Parliament, delivered in August 2002, to ask whether compassion – a central theme in that first speech – might play a role in managing some of Australia’s most difficult relationships. He then asks what role foreign policy might play in boosting public trust in democratic institutions at home.

The conversation turns to DFAT, and how Australia’s diplomatic capability can best be augmented given most Commonwealth Government departments have international footprints. Darren cannot resist asking about Senate Estimates hearings, including the balance professional bureaucrats must strike between secrecy and accountability. Allan turns the conversation to agency – a long-running theme of the podcast – to ask whether and how foreign policy outcomes can be different under the new government. Allan also asks about how Australia can balance its regional versus global interests.

We thank Annabel Howard for audio editing and Rory Stenning for composing our theme music. We also thank all the previous AIIA interns who have provided essential support to the podcast over the past four years.

Allan and Darren also wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to listeners to this podcast. The only reason we reached our 100th episode is because of the encouragement, interest and feedback we have received from an audience that has continued to grow. We found an engaged and informed community of people who share our conviction that Australian foreign policy matters for everything we want to do as a country. We could not be more grateful for your support. Thank you.

Relevant links

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, First Speech to Parliament, 21 August 2022: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2002-08-21%2F0106%22;src1=sm1