Australia's engagement with its 'near abroad' a change of direction under the Labor government, 2007 10?
Under the Labor government of 2007 10, Australian policies towards the Pacific island states, East Timor and Indonesia showed a large measure of continuity with the policies pursued by the previous conservative Coalition government. This continuity is to be explained by the fact that the problems in the region did not change significantly; there was a large degree of consensus in Australian politics about Australian objectives in the region, but there were some differences as to means, particularly in relation to the South Pacific. This study highlights the impact of proximity and regional variations in international politics on Australian policies in relation to neighbouring countries.