…
Greg Jennett: Well, exactly, that would be a valid question, I think, sometimes when you look at the score line.
Let’s move on to AUKUS, I suppose, with a question that regards Paul Keating. There’s now stronger support of AUKUS around here than you, I think it’s fair to say, Pat Conroy, you’ve even had to fight your own party at National Conference over it. That would pitch you against Paul Keating who has described it as the worst deal in all history.
Is the former Prime Minister acting against Australia’s national interest in entering the Chinese Consulate in Sydney today at the invitation of Wang Yi?
Minister Conroy: Oh, look, from time to time former leaders will meet with diplomatic representatives from other countries. Former Prime Minister Keating’s made a very strong contribution both as Prime Minister and Treasurer of this country, and in subsequent engagements, he’s always got strong views about foreign policy. That’s his right, and I respect it. I disagree with him on AUKUS, and us securing the most advanced submarine capability in the world, but he’s entitled to his opinion, and I wouldn’t read too much into it.
Greg Jennett: Is he playing into the Chinese delegation’s hands by agreeing on this occasion in light of all those comments that have been put on the record before?
Minister Conroy: I think it would be a brave person to say that anyone influences Mr Keating in how he forms his opinions. He’s entitled to them, and I respect his role as a former Prime Minister. We’re getting on with the job of delivering AUKUS ’cause it’s vital to our national security, delivering the most advanced submarines and other military capabilities in the world in a period where we’re facing a strategic uncertainty. So that’s our job as the Government.
Greg Jennett: Okay. Now another question with a Chinese focus to it. I think the last time we spoke to you, Pat Conroy, we did cover banking in Nauru. It’s in peril, because the Bendigo Bank, the only bank from Australia, was due to wrap up at the end of this year.
Since we spoke Bendigo have agreed in Nauru to stay for an extra six months. Sounds like a bit of a stop-gap. And last week a Bank of China delegation visited President David Adeang to discuss banking there. Does this mean ‑ is this a statement of their intent, do you think, going there to talk to the President?
Minister Conroy: Oh, look, there’s no doubt that lots of countries are interested in increasing their influence in the Pacific region. Banking is a critical challenge there, that’s why we work very hard with Westpac to maintain their services in the Pacific.
President Adeang was out here a couple of weeks ago and met with Treasurer Jim Chalmers. We’ve made it very clear that we are supporting Nauru’s efforts to find a replacement bank for the Bank of Bendigo when they finish their services there, and we’ll keep working with them. We’re proud to be the biggest development partner of Nauru, and we’ll keep working hard with them.
Greg Jennett: So that sounds like a work in progress. It would have to be seamless though, wouldn’t it; you wouldn’t want to have a gap between Bendigo’s departure in the middle of next year and the arrival of whoever the next operator might be. Isn’t that an opportunity that would present itself to the Bank of China if there was a gap left?
Minister Conroy: Well, it’s incredibly important that no one leaves Nauru unbanked, and that’s why we’re working on a solution. It’s clear that countries who want to build their influence in the region look for vacuums to fill, and the Australian Government’s working very hard to be the best development and security partner for the entire region, so there are no vacuums to fill.
Greg Jennett: And what would that involve, do you think? What ideas are being explored here? Is it effectively subsidising an Australian operation to maintain a presence there?
Minister Conroy: Oh, look, I don’t want to go into those details, hypothetical as they are, about potential options. We’re working with the Nauruan Government and we’re working with the banking sector; importantly Prime Minister Albanese announced an agreement with President Biden to form a working group on supporting Pacific banking services through United States and Australia. So this is something where allies and like-minded countries are working hard together.
Greg Jennett: All right. Well, as ever, there’s a bit going on in your dual portfolios at the moment, Pat Conroy. Really appreciate you finding some time for us on a sitting day, no less, to join us here in the studio.
Minister Conroy: My pleasure, Greg.
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Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Speaker: The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Format: Interview
China Policy Research 