By the time this edition of Focus is published, we will either be beginning a third term of the Howard/Costello Government or have a new Federal Government under the leadership of the Beazley/Crean team. With most commentators in the campaign’s final week finding it too close to call, the election campaign was fought in a far different climate than anyone could have imagined even three months ago.
Called a little earlier than predicted, due to overseas events and the subsequent cancellation of CHOGM, the incumbents hit the hustings with a recently won clear break on the Opposition. With international affairs and immigration issues dominating initially, the swing back to domestic issues saw a narrowing of the gap between the major parties. One week out from the poll, a cliffhanger seemed likely.
Although a sense of insecurity and unease about worldwide trends was an underlying factor, voter intention has also been influenced by issues such as health, education, taxation and jobs. Job creation remains a major challenge for all governments, and predictions of tougher times ahead make this even more crucial.
In this edition, we have featured Tourism and Economic Development initiatives of a range of Councils. A strong local economy is an undoubtedly vital ingredient for a vibrant, active community. Councils can certainly be a catalyst for making things happen in their local area, however support from the other spheres of government is also necessary.
Given the current world situation, there is no doubt that many areas will be affected by a decrease in international tourists. However, more Australians are likely to opt for a domestic holiday destination rather than an overseas trip. Moreover, building on the huge spin offs from the Sydney Olympics, we have a huge opportunity to market Australia not only as an exciting holiday destination but a safe place to visit. Attracting international tourists who would otherwise have selected northern hemisphere destinations, calls for a national marketing campaign.
Although our recent handling of the refugee issue has undoubtedly damaged us on the world stage, it has at the same time drawn international attention to Australia as an attractive haven, evidenced by the extreme risks people are willing to take to make this their home.
Many analysts argue that Australia needs to increase its population to compete in a global economy. There is nothing new about this. Australia has grown strong on the many waves of immigration. Over the years, newcomers have brought new skills and a strong work ethic, their input to the national economy a huge boost. They have also brought with them hope and a determination to build a better life for themselves and their children and future generations.
Although we have been built on immigration, xenophobia has always simmered below the surface, rearing its head with predictable monotony. Denying others the opportunity to settle here is common, even from our more recent newcomers. How quickly we forget. For most of us, at some point, we or our ancestors were ‘boat people’ coming from distant places to make this nation the great place that it is.
‘Fortress Australia’ has no place in our global village. It is regrettable words from the third verse of our national anthem are not more widely entrenched in the psyche of the ‘lucky country’.
– For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair …
At a time when a number of areas are suffering from population decline, Councils through their economic development strategies have a great opportunity to build on programs already established by the other spheres of government to attract skilled immigrants to their communities.
