We are much more outward-looking, interested and engaged in the region. We now recognise, unashamedly and unselfconsciously, know that the Asia Pacific, and the East Asian hemisphere in particular, is our region, where we live and where our future lies. This neighbourhood is where we must find our security and where we can best guarantee our prosperity. Diplomatic Skills and Resources. Multiculturalism has given us not just a new outlook on the world, but new resources and capacity, a whole new human skill-base, with which to deal with it.
People have an image still of diplomats as elegant men in striped suits with public school accents.
But nothing could be further from the truth so far as today's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is concerned. But you don't need statistics. And of course not forgetting in my Melbourne electorate office, tonight's host Sang Nguyen. Bringing with them the insights born of their own unique cultural upbringing and experiences, these officers broaden the information, experience and cultural instinct base upon which our foreign and trade policy is generated, developed and practiced. It also ensures that the Department reflects better the diversity of the Australian community, and is, therefore, better equipped to advance Australia's national interests.