Australian diplomatic network needs major revamp says report

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Updated March 19, 2009 10:56:48

In the first major public review of Australian diplomacy in 20 years, a new report claims the country's diplomatic network is crumbling and needs a major revamp, recommending greater investment in Pacific language skills, the opening of 20 new diplomatic mission, and an injection of extra funding for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ric Smith is the former Secretary of the Department of Defence and a diplomat with experience across Asia and the Pacific islands, and as one of the authors of the report, he says Australia's diplomatic network is overstretched and hollowed-out.


Presenter Jemima Garrett

Speaker: Secretary of the Australian Defence Department Ric Smith

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