Grey issue, white paper- Jakarta Globe columm

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her government have initiated an extraordinary undertaking. The PM has set up a panel to develop a White Paper on the social, cultural and economic implications for Australia of what is increasingly known and accepted as the Asian Century.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her government have initiated an extraordinary undertaking. The PM has set up a panel to develop a White Paper on the social, cultural and economic implications for Australia of what is increasingly known and accepted as the Asian Century.

This is not your standard fact-finding exercise or report with recommendations that might generate positive media when published - and then be shelved, not to be looked at again. The purpose of a White Paper like this is to help the government find its voice, with community support, to guide the direction of future policy in an area of vital importance.?