Paul Barratt A and Karin von Strokirch present: The strategic implications of COVID-19 for Australia

11am Wednesday, 16 September 2020, on campus. A1 theatre Arts building E11 & on zoom*

Barratt – The domestic dimension

The huge demand gap COVID has left in the Australian economy is an opportunity as well as a challenge. We should build a better Australia, not attempt to recreate the Australia of 2019. Our economy needs restructuring to be more equitable, more efficient, and more sustainable. Inequality is harmful not only to individuals, but to social cohesion and to economic growth. It is vital to restore science, knowledge and skills to their rightful place as the foundation of evidence-based public policy. Awareness is critical that society and the economy both depend upon the natural environment.

von Strokirch – The international dimension

COVID-19 has hit Australia’s trade hard, especially services. It is imperative to sustain partnerships while diversifying markets. Nevertheless, the pandemic does not pose an existential global threat such as nuclear weapons from which attention is sadly being diverted. Australia could make a difference with niche diplomacy in arms control. Climate change is another existential threat Australia and the world are not on track to prevent, but the ‘go early go hard’ COVID policies show what is possible with collective political will. Yet the liberal rules based world order is under siege due to nationalist responses. Effective Australian diplomacy to address these challenges requires more resources.

Paul Barratt AO is an Adjunct Professor of Politics at UNE. He spent thirty years in the Australian public service. His appointments include Deputy Secretary, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Secretary of Primary Industries and Energy and Secretary of Defence. He is Chair of Australia21 and President of Australians for War Powers Reform. In 1997 he received a Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2019 an honorary Doctorate from UNE. In 1999 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Karin von Strokirch is a senior lecturer in Political and International Studies, UNE. She has research interests in Australian foreign policy, Pacific Islands politics, climate change and non-proliferation. She edited and contributed to an issue of Social Alternatives critiquing the Abbott government’s policies.

*This on campus HASS seminar must adhere to COVID-19 safety measures. Invitees are not to attend if they have cold or flu symptoms or if they travelled from known COVID-19 locations in the previous fortnight or if they are a close contact of someone who has. Audience members need to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres when arriving and departing and 4 metres space when seated. Please use sanitiser then sign the register on arrival. For those who cannot attend the seminar is recorded. To attend by Zoom please contact the organiser.

Enquiries to: Karin von Strokirch – kvonstro@une.edu.au