Why Australia wants – and needs – to improve Southeast Asia ties

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article. Australia makes real on its push to deepen ties with the Indo-Pacific as it gathers leaders of ASEAN in Melbourne CANBERRA, Australia - It's easy to find a Southeast Asian connection through key members of Australia's Cabinet. Penny Wong, Foreign Minister and leader of the government in the Senate, was born in Sabah, Malaysia and speaks the language. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, lights up as he talks about marrying his Bicolana wife in Pasig City some four decades ago. Chris…