Question for you Aussies:

Do you agree or disagree on the intention of the Oz government to join ASEAN?

please also state a reason for your opinion.

I haven't seen much press about this. But anyway. Are you sure that we are intending to join? I'm not sure of our Government's exact position because of their too-precious relationship with the US, although I do agree that we need to strengthen our ties with Asia. Also, if this association would cause difficulties in speaking out against human rights violations then maybe we shouldn't. I'm really not well enough informed on these particular international relations to comment much further.
I'm guessing Hinny will be able to say more...

One of the stipulations in formally joining with ASEAN is that member states do not criticise the human rights violations of fellow member states.

It would make sense for Australia to foster closer ties with Asia, and the free trade deal was a right way to start. However, as long as this organisation keeps up with such archaic rules, then we'll just have to find other ways to mix in with our neighbours.

I firmly believe that it's a friend's duty to make deserved criticisms of other friends faults. I want my government to criticise Thailand's treatment of Muslims in the south. Of Indonesia's policy towards Aceh and West Papua. Of Aung San Suu Kyi's imprisonment in Myanmar. And in turn for criticism of Australia's policies towards the indigenous and refugees. If joining means shutting the hell up, no thanks. Not in a million years.

I knew the solution was a dose of Hinnster. *pats self on back*