Judging by the campaign, and a bit of recent history, we can expect to see a Labor government pay more attention than their predecessors did to Indonesia – and Southeast Asia in general.
An Indonesian seller unpacks boxes of fruits imported from China at a wet market in West Java.
Risky Andrianto/Antara Foto
What does the future newsroom look like?
The Conversation, CC BY52.4 MB(download)
We often hear about media companies shedding staff and revenues, but is there hope? We ask the man with a mission to launch 100 media start-ups in three years: what does the future newsroom look like?
Russia is increasingly making its military power felt in the Asia-Pacific region.
Francis R. Malasig/EPA
With Russia’s military capacity and soft power influence steadily increasing in the Asia-Pacific region, it may be time to reevaluate Australia’s Russia strategy.
Eighty years ago, we were just as scared of the Japanese buying our assets as we are of the Chinese today. So what does this say about the future of Australia in the Asia-Pacific region?
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses a special ASEAN summit in Sydney.
AAP
Past shared history and/or cultural, ethnical or religious homogeneity can no longer be the only determinants of the level of co-operation among nations.
There are still some hurdles to be overcome for the ASEAN-Australia relationship to reach its full potential.
EPA/Mast Irham
It feels as if volcanoes in our region are going off at a high rate right now - but it’s reasonably normal activity for the “Ring of Fire” belt running around the Asia Pacific.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (front left) joins other world leaders for the APEC summit in Danang, Vietnam.
AAP/pool
The agreement could be as good as dead, if, instead of pushing ahead without the US, its members decide to explore bilateral trade agreements with the country.
Giant clam shells seized by authorities in waters off Australia’s north.
NT government
Prized species such as sea cucumbers are increasingly being poached from Australian waters. But if foreign aid can give fishing crews alternative livelihoods, the problem could ease.
Clean water and access to food are two of the most priceless ecosystem services.
Current land-use patterns could see the value of ‘ecosystem services’ – the natural processes that sustain life – plummet by mid-century. But with the right policies we can turn this trend around.
Does Nauru now face a sunnier outlook?
Saleem H. Ali
Nauruans used to be some of the richest people in the world, before their mining industry imploded. Now, as the island aims to develop sustainably, there are signs of the green shoots of recovery.
Australia must start the job of ensuring Indonesian investment flows south.
EPA/Bagus Indahono
Much of the increased co-operation between Australia and Indonesia must begin by strengthening supply and value chains and investment ties between the two countries.
The adjustment in Australia’s defence spending to 1.9% to 2% of GDP is reasonable.
AAP/Tracey Nearmy
Adults who had a low birthweight or were undernourished as young children are more likely to experience high blood pressure and obesity.
Despite its limitations, the Bali Process is the main game in town when it comes to dealing with forced migration in the Asia-Pacific.
EPA/Hotli Simanjuntak
There is every sign the underlying causes of forced migration – war, repression, ethnic conflict, climate change displacement and rampant human trafficking – will continue.
These Vietnamese tea farmers are set to benefit from the deal. Others might not be so lucky.
Nguyen Huy Kham/Reuters
The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been described by its backers as a boon for development. But with no concrete commitments, nor any mention of climate, it is really at odds with the UN development agenda.
Relapsing infections are critical for sustained malaria transmission in the Asia-Pacific.
Mayeta Clark/Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
A large number of children with malaria in the Asia-Pacific have relapses of the disease, not new infections. Malaria-programs must target these latent infections to completely eliminate the disease.