Former WA Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, reports on the 4th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP)

Date:  15 March 2007

In September 2006, I attended the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), a truly remarkable event that tells us a great deal about the level of political maturity that exists in Asia today - parties of the left and right, liberals and nationalists, communists and social democrats, parties in government and parties in opposition meeting together to discuss matters of mutual concern in Asia.

The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP)
is the brainchild of Jose de Venecia, Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Philippines. It has met on four occasions since its establishment in 2000, this year in Seoul.

The idea behind ICAPP is simple- political parties are essential channels of expression in a political system and provide an ideal basis for informal contacts between people, religions, ideologies and nations.

Despite a number of great differences between the parties represented at ICAPP, they shared a belief in plurality and cooperation.

Today in Asia, not only is there a generalised belief in the importance of good government and accountability, there is a clear recognition of the need for co- operation amongst the nations of Asia- from West to North-East, from Central to South, from South- east to Oceania, including Australia.

At the 4th ICAPP in Seoul Asian co-operation was high on the agenda. Co-operation in areas like health, counter- terrorism, crime and environment were canvassed alongside economic co-operation beyond the range of Free Trade Agreements entered into (and being negotiated) to include proposals for an Asian Monetary Fund.

Strong support was also given for a stronger form of Asian unity. Already we have seen significant developments in East Asia plus three (China, Korea and Japan). Australia, New Zealand and India are now being included as well.

At the same time the ASEAN Inter- Parliamentary Organisation is engaged in discussions to form an ASEAN Parliamentary Council.

Despite the differences of culture and politics, there were strong expressions of support for the universal values associated with democracy and market economics and how to apply them where there has been cronyism and corruption.

Australia needs to contribute to this discussion not just as a friend and neighbour but as a participant. I addressed the Conference on aspects of the ALP Platform: "Labor is committed to our nation's future with Asia." A stable, prosperous region is a paramount safeguard of our own security as part of Asia.

The ALP is in a good position to contribute to capacity building for the parties seeking assistance and to engage in dialogue on how to tackle the many challenges throughout the region. Labor's vision of a confident, outward- looking Australia which actively contributes towards a peaceful and prosperous future for Asia fits well in the context of the aspirations displayed at the fourth ICAPP.

Geoff Gallop