THE COMMENTARIAT MPs banned from China? They should wear it as a badge of honour – Nathan Attrill (The Age/Sydney Morning Herald): “Previously, political leaders claimed to speak privately with their Chinese counterparts on these so-called sensitive issues. The results of these closed-door chats speak for themselves: many of these issues are worsening or going unresolved. While the Australia-China relationship might be complicated, the right and duty of our elected representatives, indeed all Australians, to speak up for their values and support for human rights in China should not be complicated. Authorities in Beijing are making ‘banned from China’ a badge of honour, ones that Hastie and Paterson should wear proudly.” We benefit as awakened China moves the world ($) – Josh Frydenberg (The Australian): “There are unresolved tensions but they need not derail the broader relationship. China and her growing role in the world is not going away. As the Prime Minister has said, Australia does not need to choose between the US and China. The US is our critical long-term ally with whom we have forged a friendship based on shared values and history. China is an important partner as well but we both acknowledge there are important differences. We are best served by being clear and consistent in the policy positions we take in accordance with our values and national interest. This may see us disagree at times with China on human rights, foreign investment and other matters but by being clear and consistent our differences need not undermine this important relationship.” The killing of Kumanjayi Walker – Marly Wells Naparngardi, Harry Jakamarra Nelson, Valerie Napaljarri Martin and Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves (The Saturday Paper): “I work in a school. We encourage all of our children to be strong, and to be smart, and to be proud of who they are and where they come from. But are we just raising them to be disappointed, and betrayed? I don’t want to live in a world where we have to ask if our nieces and nephews will be next. Our brothers and sisters? What has happened in Yuendumu is an outrage, an injustice, and an event that we must not allow to be swept under the rug.” |