Lee Ji-Hyeon, Regional Researcher of Austrailia

<2024. 3. 24.>

Hello! My name is Ji-Hyeon an Sejong Glabal High School student from Korea.

It’s a great fortune to connect with Australia’s in this program.

My hometown is Iksan, a small city in North Jeolla Province. Iksan has many

historical sites, including Mireuksaji Temple Site and the ancient fortress of

Geumseong. The city has a special train station. If the Korean Peninsula were to

be unified, it would become the starting point for trains heading all the way to

London. Also Iksan, along with Jeonju, is a cultural center in Jeollabuk-do. Both

cities preserve traditional Korean culture and history, attracting many tourists to

experience their rich heritage. Therefore, visiting Iksan offers the opportunity to

participate in various cultural festivals such as the Seodong Festival and the

Chrysanthemum Festival.

<2024. 5. 11.>

AUSTRALIA’S ANIMAL DIVERSITY

Commonwealth of Australia is famous for its high animal diversity. Australia’s unique geographic isolation has allowed for the evolution of distinct animal species over millennia. This isolation has resulted in a high level of endemism, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. Additionally, its diverse range of landscapes and climates, from lush forests to dry deserts and coastal regions, provides a wide variety of habitats. This enables a rich diversity of flora and fauna to thrive and develop diverse survival strategies. The Australian government and local organizations are committed to preserving this unique biodiversity through conservation programs aimed at protecting special regional ecosystems.

AUSTRALIA’S FOREST FIRE & CLIMATE CHANGE

The Australian forest fire, which started in September 2019 and continued until February of the following year, caused huge damage, including burning 14% of the country’s forests, which is equivalent to the area of the Korean Peninsula. Also, wildfires in Australia have a very negative impact on animal diversity. Wildfires destroy animal habitats and change ecosystems, and many animals lose their lives or lose their habitat. Unusual species in Australia, in particular, may have low resistance to wildfires, exposing them to greater risk of survival. Wildfires can also make it difficult for wild animals to move, making it difficult to evacuate. This can reduce the population of animals and reduce genetic diversity. Therefore, in Australia, efforts are needed to protect animal ecosystems with a focus on forest fire prevention and response.

Climate change was one of the reasons that made Australia’s wildfire so serious. This climate change is not just Australia‘s problem, it’s all of us. The forest fires in Australia have been extinguished, but climate change is ongoing.

Here‘s what we can do in our daily lives to prevent climate change.

1. Energy Saving & Recycling ; Pay attention to recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by saving energy, reduce waste and reduce unnecessary resource consumption

2. Join the carbon point system ;

What is carbon point system? The system introduced by the government to expand civic awareness and participation in greenhouse gas reduction and low-carbon green growth, and if 1 million households participate in this movement, the effect of saving the power produced by one nuclear power plant. In the case of energy conservation, the Ministry of Environment and local governments select the reduction amount, and participate in eco-friendly activities with incentives paid through this.

3. Use of public transportation ; Minimize the use of fossil fuels by using public transportation rather than private cars

4. Changes in eating habits ; Reduce methane emissions from livestock by adjusting dietary habits with vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diets

the amount of methane emitted by livestock is very huge. watch this

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret -2014

5. Purchasing eco-friendly products; reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the production and consumption process by choosing environmentally friendly products

6. Participation in campaigns for the earth, including planting trees Most importantly, in addition to the above actions, we should have the attitude of global citizens who recognize that climate change is a problem for all of us and a global problem and strive to actively solve it.

<2024. 6. 1.>

Australia is a multicultural society where diverse races and cultures coexist.

However, the issue of racism has been a persistent problem from the past to the

present, necessitating ongoing exploration of solutions to address racial

discrimination.

PAST

White Australia Policy_

In the early 20th century, Australia implemented the White Australia Policy. This

policy, in effect from 1901 to 1973, was enacted as Australia transitioned from a

British colony to a federated nation, aiming to establish Australia as an Englishspeaking

country similar to those in the Anglo-cultural sphere. The policy sought

to restrict the immigration of non-European individuals, making it difficult for

many Asians and other non-Europeans to immigrate to Australia.

Indigenous Discrimination_

Since the British settlement in Australia in 1778, Indigenous Australians, including

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, have experienced forced

dispossession of their lands and the disruption of their traditional ways of life by

the British colonizers. During the early colonial period, violence and massacres

against Indigenous peoples were frequent as part of colonial expansion and

resource acquisition efforts. Indigenous Australians endured ongoing oppression

and discrimination for an extended period, often being subjected to forced

displacement and assimilation policies.

CURRENT

Racial Discrimination: Targeting Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Immigrants_

Racial discrimination against Asian, African, and Middle Eastern immigrants is

prevalent within Australia. Particularly, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

in China in 2019, incidents of racial discrimination against Asian Australians

escalated, with instances of verbal and physical attacks in public spaces. In

response, social media campaigns such as 'Stop Asian Hate' gained traction, and

anti-racism movements emerged within various communities.

Ongoing Indigenous Issues_

Structural discrimination against Indigenous Australians remains a significant

problem in Australia. Indigenous peoples exhibit lower levels of education and

higher unemployment rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Many

Indigenous individuals do not complete higher education, and they often face

discrimination in the job market. Additionally, the life expectancy of Indigenous

Australians is approximately 10 years shorter than that of non-Indigenous

Australians. These issues stem from higher rates of disease, mental health issues,

and lower access to healthcare compared to non-Indigenous populations.

Example_

Sydney Racial Assault Incident (2012)_

In 2012, an incident occurred in Sydney where an Indian international student was

assaulted in a public place. The assault was perceived as racially motivated

violence, sparking significant outrage within the local community.

Melbourne Tram Racial Discrimination Incident (2019)_

In 2019, a man on a tram in Melbourne verbally assaulted and racially abused a

Chinese-Australian woman. The incident garnered global attention as it spread

through social media, sparking outrage among many people.

Brisbane Assault on Somali Woman (2021)_

In 2021, a Somali woman in Brisbane was subjected to racial slurs and physical

violence in a public place. The incident sparked significant backlash from the local

community and human rights organizations.

AUSTRALIA’S LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSE

TO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

Racial Discrimination Act_

The Racial Discrimination Act, enacted in 1975, prohibits discrimination based on

race, skin color, descent, or ethnic origin. It was established to reduce racial

discrimination and promote a fair society.

+) Key Provisions

Section 9 : General Prohibition of Racially Discriminatory Acts. Prohibits

individuals from discriminating against others based on race, skin color, descent,

or ethnic origin.

Section 18C : Prohibition of Offense, Insult, and Intimidation in Public Places.

Prohibits offensive, insulting, or threatening behavior towards a particular race or

ethnicity in public places. This includes speech or actions that incite hatred

towards a specific racial or ethnic group.

Race Discrimination Commission_

The commission is an institution established to prevent racial discrimination and

protect human rights. The Australian Human Rights Commission addresses issues

related to racial discrimination and performs tasks such as receiving and

investigating reports of racial discrimination.

Multicultural Policy_

Multicultural policy refers to a series of policies and programs aimed at encouraging

the coexistence of people from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds and ensuring

equal opportunities for all members of society. It aims to enhance diversity and

inclusivity within Australian society and facilitate the participation of all citizens in

the community.

The Australian government conducts various education programs and campaigns to

address racial discrimination and promote multiculturalism. The aim is to prevent

racial discrimination, enhance social.

Example_

Education Programs_

1. Racism. No Way : Developed to prevent racial discrimination and promote

multicultural education within schools. It educates about the negative impacts of

racism and provides various resources and activities to prevent it.

2. Harmony Day : An event held annually on March 21st. It celebrates the harmony

among people from diverse cultural backgrounds and conducts activities opposing

racial discrimination.

Campaigns

1. Racism. It Stops With Me : A campaign initiated to raise awareness about racism

and how to address it. It highlights the negative impacts of racism and provides

guidance on how to respond when witnessing discrimination in real life. It

encourages individuals and organizations to participate in the campaign and urges

them to pledge opposition to racism through a commitment to anti-racism.

2. Harmony Week : A nationwide event held for a week to emphasize Australia's

multicultural identity and celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It features cultural

events, workshops, and forums to provide opportunities for understanding and

respecting each other's cultures.

<2024. 7. 7.>

Australia and New Zealand maintain a relationship

similar to that between South Korea and Japan, given their

geographical proximity and closely ongoing interactions.

This report aims to analyze and explore the commonalities

and differences between the relationships of South Korea

and Japan, and that of Australia and New Zealand.

COMMONALITIES:

1. Geographical Proximity:

- Both South Korea and Japan, as well as both New Zealand and Australia, are

geographically close to each other.

- Geographical proximity plays a crucial role in mutual exchange and consequent cooperation.

2. Economic Interdependence:

- Both pairs of relationships have significant economic interdependence. South

Korea and Japan maintain close economic ties in East Asia, sometimes even it the world, such as trade, technological cooperation, and tourism.

- Similarly, New Zealand and Australia have strong economic bonds in trade,

tourism, and labor movement.

3. Regional and International Cooperation:

- Both pairs of countries cooperate on regional and international stages. South

Korea and Japan play important roles in East Asia and collaborate in various

international organizations such as Kyoto Protocol.

- New Zealand and Australia also interdependently in the South Pacific region

and work together in international organizations for mutual benefits.

DIFFERENCES:

1. Historical Background:

- South Korea and Japan: Their relationship has been complex and sometimes

tense mainly because of historical conflicts, especially since the colonial period.

- New Zealand and Australia: They share a relatively peaceful history and

maintain a primarily cooperative relationship.

2. Cultural Differences:

- South Korea and Japan: They have different languages and cultures, which can

sometimes lead to misunderstandings and inevitable conflicts.

- New Zealand and Australia: They both use English as their official language and share many cultural similarities, which facilitates better communication.

3. Political Relations:

- South Korea and Japan: They occasionally experience political conflicts, often

stemming from historical issues or territorial disputes; Island Dock-do.

- New Zealand and Australia: They maintain a very stable political relationship

and often share the same stance on major international issues.

4. Security Cooperation:

- South Korea and Japan: Although they strengthen security cooperation through a triangular alliance with the United States, historical conflicts can sometimes even hinder smooth cooperation.

- New Zealand and Australia: They practice a strong military exercises through

the ANZUS treaty and work closely on security issues.

*ANZUS: Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty

Conclusion:

While the relationships between South Korea and Japan, and New Zealand and

Australia share commonalities in geographical proximity and economic

interdependence, they exhibit significant differences in historical background,

cultural differences, political relations, and security cooperation. Notably, the

relationship between South Korea and Japan often faces challenges in maintaining

stability due to historical conflicts that have persisted over time. However, these

factors all play important roles in shaping and developing each relationship. After all, in modern society, no country can survive alone, making it essential to maintain an attitude of mutual attitude to uphold international peace.

<2024. 7. 11.>

Australia and Korea's government systems have some similarities and differences.

Both countries are democratic and operate their governments through

representatives elected by the people, but the methods and structures vary.

SIMILARITIES:

1. Democracy: Both Australia and Korea have adopted democratic systems. This

means that citizens elect government representatives through elections, and the

government reflects the people's opinions.

2. Parliamentary System: Both countries have a parliament that legislates and

checks the government's power.

3. Elections: Regular elections are held to elect leaders and representatives at

various levels.

DIFFERENCES:

1. Form of Government:

- Australia: Australia operates a parliamentary system based on a constitutional

monarchy. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by the Governor General.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the

majority party in parliament and leads the executive branch.

- Korea: Korea has adopted a presidential system. The President, elected by direct

popular vote, is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is

the chief executive, forming and leading the cabinet and running the country.

2. Parliament Structure:

- Australia: Australia has a bicameral system. The Parliament consists of the Senate

(Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House). Senators represent

states and territories, while members of the House represent constituencies based

on population.

- Korea: Korea has a unicameral system. The National Assembly is the sole

legislative body, and its members are elected directly by the people.

3. Election Methods:

- Australia: Australia uses various election methods, including preferential voting. In

the House of Representatives elections, voters rank candidates in order of

preference.

- Korea: Korea uses a combination of first-past-the-post and proportional

representation. In legislative elections, both constituency representatives and

proportional representatives are elected.

4. Head of State:

- Australia: The head of state is the British monarch, who has a ceremonial role. Real

power is vested in the Prime Minister and the cabinet.

- Korea: The head of state is the President, who wields substantial executive power.

The President forms the cabinet and runs the government.

CONCLUSION

These similarities and differences stem from each country's historical background

and political development. Australia maintains a parliamentary democracy and

monarchy rooted in its colonial experience with Britain, while Korea has developed a

presidential system since its independence.

<2024. 8. 8.>

Australia's refugee immigration policy is designed with consideration for

international standards as well as Australia's internal political and social factors. As a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, Australia bears international

responsibility for accepting refugees and providing humanitarian protection.

However, this policy faces various international and domestic challenges and

controversies.

AUSTRALIA’S REFUGEE IMMIGRATION POLICY

1. Compliance with the UN Refugee Convention:

- Australia is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, bearing international responsibility for refugee protection.

2. Humanitarian Program:

- Australia accepts a certain number of refugees annually through its humanitarian program. This program includes refugees recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and those invited by families within Australia.

- Australia's humanitarian program is divided into various categories, including

refugee visas, protection visas, and special humanitarian visas.

POLICY CHALLENGES AND CRITICISM

1. Offshore Processing:

- Through the 'Operation Sovereign Borders' policy, Australia strictly intercepts

illegal maritime arrivals. Under this policy, refugees found at sea are sent to offshore processing centers (in Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea) rather than to the Australian mainland.

- This policy has raised humanitarian concerns from refugee protection

organizations and the international community. Reports have highlighted various human rights issues, including poor conditions, long waiting periods, and mental

health problems in these processing centers.

2. Third-Country Resettlement Program*:

- Australia collaborates with countries like the United States and Cambodia to

resettle refugees from offshore processing centers in third countries. This program has also received mixed reactions from the international community.

3 Political Controversy:

- Australia's refugee policy is a major point of contention in domestic politics.

Some argue that strict refugee policies are necessary for national security and to

prevent illegal immigration, while others criticize the policies for failing to meet

humanitarian responsibilities.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SUPPORT

1. Regional Cooperation:

- Australia collaborates with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia in the AsiaPacific region to address refugee issues. This cooperation includes various programs and training to ensure the safe movement and protection of refugees.

2. International Aid:

- Australia provides financial support to international refugee organizations and

NGOs, contributing to the global resolution of refugee issues.

Australia's refugee policy continues to evolve amid international criticism and

domestic political pressure. While Australia strives to fulfill its international

responsibility for refugee protection, its strict border control policies remain a focal point of debate. Balancing international standards and domestic demands will require ongoing efforts in Australia's refugee policy.

<2024. 9. 10.>