The recent first sitting week of the new Australian Parliament in Canberra since the federal election was an incredible moment to recognise Australia’s democracy as more inclusive of the country we live in. This is the most diverse parliament the country has ever had, a stark difference from my time in that place. And it was wonderful to see Indian origin MP Zaneta Mascarenas highlight her blend of cultures by wearing a saree in the parliament. The design of the saree, called ‘Emu dreaming’ by Lee Nangala Gallagher, was woven into storytelling of two cultures – Australia and India – that spoke volumes of our rich multicultural country and history, I was so proud to see her wear this. Meanwhile our Education team recently returned from their field visit to India where they successfully delivered workshops in Bengaluru with participants passionate about finding practical ways to support teacher capabilities in applied learning. This project is such an important piece of work for us in 2025.
This week, the Institute is hosting a 1.5 track Australia-India Cables Dialogue in Perth, supported by DFAT’s Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership program and the Forrest Research Foundation, to bring together experts for policy solutions on how to better promote Indo-Pacific cable connectivity, resilience and supply chains. Submarine cable networks underpin global digital infrastructure, carrying approximately 99% of the world’s data. As critical infrastructure, these networks are increasingly at the centre of geopolitical competition, exposed to both physical sabotage and cyber threats.
I’m pleased to welcome Dr Preeti Mudliar who will be based at the Institute for the next year as a Maitri Fellow, part of the DFAT Maitri Fellowship Program 2025 recently announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong.
I would also like to welcome the Institute’s incoming Head of Cultural Diplomacy, Mr Sudip Chakraborty who will lead on a range of cultural activities. To ‘kick’ things off, I was delighted to record a Chats over Chai podcast with Sudip on his fascinating journey with AFL football in India and Australia, and discuss the power of sports diplomacy. This leads me to share that our upcoming research report on Victoria-India High Performance Sports will be launched by Victorian Minister for Sport, Steve Dimopoulos in India next week. Stay tuned!
Best
Lisa