As Australians head to the voting booth, much of this election has focused on our regional relationships and our place in the global order.

Many have labelled this a 'khaki election', with national security becoming a major election issue. The campaign so far has been dominated by regional issues, particularly the fallout of China's pact with the Solomon Islands.

Whether it is the strength of our alliances with neighbours or how to deal with rising China, the next government will potentially shape Australia's place in the region for the next generation.

What does the 2022 election campaign reveal about Australia’s perceptions of its security within an increasingly contested region? Is the ‘politicisation’ of national security a positive development, and to what extent does it determine how people vote? And what do the national security discussions mean for the Asian diaspora in Australia?

Panel:

Associate Professor Andrea Carson (Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University)

Sarah Ison (Political reporter in The Australian's Canberra press gallery bureau)

Jennifer Hsu (Research Fellow in the Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program, Lowy Institute)

Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair)

This event is a collaboration with the Defence and Security Institute at the University of Western Australia.

Recorded on 17 May 2022.