Via Domainfax:
The former minister responsible for the Pacific says the Morrison government is jeopardising Australia’s influence in the region at a time when China is wooing island nations with infrastructure and loans…The new ministry no longer includes a dedicated minister for the region.
Instead, Mr Morrison named Anne Ruston as an “assistant minister” – a role formerly known as parliamentary secretary – for international development and the Pacific.
On Wednesday, Senator Ruston said she had “no idea” why Mr Morrison had appointed her to the role.
Labor’s defence spokesman Richard Marles said…“Australia must earn the right to be the natural partner of choice for the Pacific. We cannot afford to create a vacuum,” he said.
Yeh but house prices.
