With Covid still on the high into year 2024, moat people are pondering on what would lie ahead in a world they are facing. War in Ukraine enters into its third year and there is no sight of peace with Western aids come to a low. War in Gaza is over 100 days and uncertainty remains with Middel East conflicts on the spread. Lai Ching-te of Democratic Progressive Party won the 16th presential election in Taiwan, with the “no unification” party line presumably military tension will grow between China and US. The shrinking of China economy and trade war between China and US would cause world economic downfall. The possible come back of Donald Trump and his right-wing policy at the year end presidential election in US would make the world a more unstable one.
The Labor Party governing Australia is losing its support with inflation and housing price on the rise; even unemployment rate remains stable, standard of living is causing issues on households. In the new year the government has to deal with people in poverty without food and home. It’s more worrying if world economy goes into depression.
Despite 2024 is an unknown year of difficulties, we need faith to move on.
Firstly, our social infrastructure is still here. We are a nation full of resources and the whole world not just China can become our market. Secondly, Australian values count on mutual care and assistance. Last year’s Scanlon Report revealed our passion in helping our neighbours and our acknowledgement of multiculturism. This ensures internal unity and external connection amid harsh time. Thirdly, our democratic system allows us to vote for the governing party we want for the nation without resort to physical fighting. Fourthly, all along Australian governments have been investing well on education, medical care and social support such that people’s basic needs are reasonably covered even in hardship.
All such gives Australians some comfort and hope in an unknown 2024.
In the new year let us have the courage and faith in facing the unknown future.
Mr. Raymond Chow
Publisher of Sameway Magazine