Changing times and experience have also taught the Foundation that a smaller number of tailored projects, especially with cross-project links, maximise results and best utilise the resources available to it. We seek to 'prime the pump' and not become long-term funders of projects. The Foundation is currently finalising a submission to the forthcoming Senate Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade References Committee's Inquiry into Contemporary Developments in Japan in tandem with developing a five-year strategic plan for the Foundation. The research for the Inquiry provided the Board with useful background in the consideration of future directions that respond to the changing social environment in Japan and take advantage of the opportunities and challenges this presents. As a result of this analysis, our last Board meeting in 1997-98 explored ways of working in partnership with Japanese organisations in areas of common concern in which Australia has particular experience or has developed an expertise.
Partnerships are also more cost-effective.
Current Foundation projects, such as those related to the promotion of Australian skills and methodology in teaching English as a foreign language, skills that have their origins in our migrant experience, already offer opportunities for working in partnership with Japanese professionals in Japan. Growing areas of social concern in Japan include its ageing population, youth alienation and the environment. By targeting social welfare issues in the area of aged care and community support, the Board hopes to introduce to Japan an Australian perspective on these issues by working with electronic and print media and Japanese agencies. Projects of this kind not only fit well with the current partnership phase of the bilateral relationship but also offer scope for Australian professionals and specialist organisations to promote a broader understanding of the ethos of Australian society. Foundation projects continue to attract strong support from Japanese and Australian organisations.