Australia’s Asia Capability in the spotlight at Perspectives:Asia

THE HON TIM WATTS MP |

Australia’s deep past and rapidly changing future converged at this year’s Perspectives:Asia address, where The Hon Tim Watts MP warned that the nation’s Asia capability is approaching crisis point just as regional engagement becomes more strategically important than ever.

In a compelling speech at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art on 13 November, Watts opened with a striking historical reminder: long before English reached the continent, Makassan traders from Indonesia forged trade and cultural ties with the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land. He noted that the Yolngu of 300 years ago spoke more Indonesian than young Queenslanders do today. This contrast underscored the urgency of rebuilding language and cultural literacy across the nation.This contrast underscored the urgency of rebuilding language and cultural literacy across the nation.

Watts outlined the Albanese Government’s efforts to stabilise relations with China, strengthen connections through the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and expand engagement across the Indian Ocean region. He argued that this diplomatic and strategic momentum relies on a foundational skill set that Australia has allowed to erode. As he emphasised,

“Asia capability isn’t a ‘nice to have’ — it’s a sovereign capability that will shape Australia’s future security and prosperity.”

His address blended strategic insight with personal reflection, including a formative school memory: a teacher in Toowoomba introducing the class to Indonesia, sparking the interest that shaped his career and worldview. Audience members praised his honest, articulate and deeply invested approach to elevating the national conversation on Asia capability.

The Q&A session broadened the discussion further, delving into teacher shortages, the Myanmar refugee crisis, the unfair expectation placed on Asian Australians to carry the burden of regional engagement, and even the evolving role of food as an entry point to cultural understanding in an increasingly diverse Australia.

Speakers and attendees acknowledged that rebuilding Asia capability requires complex, long-term solutions. Initiatives such as the New Colombo Plan and Australia Awards programs are helping students gain direct experience in the Indo-Pacific, and universities like Griffith continue to host scholars and short-course participants who strengthen regional knowledge and connections. But the challenge across all levels of the education system remains significant.

Now in its 20th year, the Perspectives:Asia series – a collaboration between the Griffith Asia Institute and QAGOMA – once again provided a vital platform for national dialogue on Australia’s place in a changing region. Watts’ address reinforced why these conversations matter as Australia navigates an increasingly dynamic Indo-Pacific landscape.

Watch the full presentation here: https://youtu.be/9_kirMZ_ovk