Public Affairs

Expert opinion and analysis on government, power, policy and people and how it shapes our world.

28 April 2023 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Australian Indigenous History, Australian Politics, Indigenous Politics, Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Don’t twist the aim of The Voice for political gain
Opponents to the Indigenous Voice are repeating history – using the issue of child protection as a political weapon, says University of Melbourne expert.
17 April 2023 – Asia, Asialink, Education, Languages, Teaching and Learning
Supporting our schools to develop Asia capable kids
A University of Melbourne experts says Asia capable initiatives that only target adults and young adults leaves it far too late – it has to start in our schools
24 March 2023 – Australia-China Relations, China, International Relations, Melbourne University Press (MUP), United States
The China divide
What would Australia do if the US went to war against China? A new book from Melbourne University Press (MUP) explores Australia's role in the Pacific.
3 March 2022 – Asylum Seekers, Education, Higher Education, Refugees, Universities
Australia’s universities must become more welcoming
Welcoming Universities is a new initiative in Australia that aims to encourage refugees and asylum seekers into university, says University of Melbourne expert
17 February 2022 – Australia-China Relations, Australian Foreign Affairs, Australian Politics, Diplomacy, Fraser Oration
Leadership in a changing world
In the 2022 University of Melbourne Fraser Oration, Australia’s former China ambassador, Dr Geoff Raby AO, says Australia’s foreign policy needs strong leaders.
17 February 2022 – Australian Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy, India, International Relations, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
Australia and India partnering up within the Quad
Bilateral agreements between Australia and India were a key feature of the Melbourne Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting says University of Melbourne expert
15 February 2022 – Cold War, Diplomacy, International Relations, Soviet Union, Ukraine
Why Russia isn’t about to invade Ukraine soon
Russia is unlikely to soon invade Ukraine as it’s already succeeding in stoking instability and making the US take notice, says University of Melbourne expert
14 February 2022 – Asia, Australian Foreign Affairs, Defence, Foreign Policy, South East Asia
Southeast Asia matters to Australia
A University of Melbourne expert says it’s in Australia’s national interest to engage strongly with Southeast Asia or risk a hole in its Indo-Pacific strategy.
2 February 2022 – Australia-China Relations, China, Diplomacy, International Relations, United States
The impact of China on the Australia-US alliance
To understand Sino-Australian relations, we must appreciate the triangular dynamics between Australia, China and the US, says University of Melbourne expert.
6 January 2022 – Australian Politics, COVID-19, Elections, Policy, Politics
What we know about politics after 2021
The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic had a tangible impact on global democracy; University of Melbourne experts take look at what 2022 might have in store.