On Background: Why Asia Matters

Leaders from across South-East Asia are set to descend on Melbourne next week – but why? The ASEAN Summit is marking 50 years since Australia became the first “dialogue partner” with the region, and the anniversary coincides with a critical strategic juncture with China. David Speers speaks to the man who came up with the idea to bring the conference to Australia's doorstep – former Indonesian Ambassador Gary Quinlan.