‘Irish convicts were the original boat people’
Pat Conroy on AUKUS doubters, multiculturalism and Australia's broken system.
Irish convicts have been called the original "boat people," according to Australia's longest-serving Pacific minister, Pat Conroy. The Albanese government has made significant strides in strengthening Australia's relations with Pacific Island nations. Conroy highlighted the Australia-Fiji and PNG treaties as crucial steps in this process.
He explained that these alliances are necessary due to the inherently contested nature of the Southwest Pacific, where potential conflicts with other countries, including China, could arise. The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and mutual support in the face of foreign interference or military threats.
Conroy further discussed Australia's commitment to supporting regional initiatives, such as New Zealand's proposed Pacific security arrangement, and emphasized that he would fully back such efforts if Pacific leaders decided to pursue them. He also touched upon the role of sporting diplomacy, particularly rugby league, in fostering people-to-people connections and economic development in the Pacific.
Conroy believes that rugby league, with its widespread popularity across the region, can serve as a powerful tool for building unity and promoting Australia's interests in the Pacific.
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