Football Federation Australia (FFA) is in the final stages of preparing its submission to the Australian Government as part of its Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, commissioned in September 2011 by the Honourable Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

The popularity of football in Asia, the extent to which it is engrained in Asian culture and the unique standing Australia has in Asia through its membership of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) presents a unique opportunity for football to play a leading role in how Australia engages with its regional neighbours on many levels. The fact that Australia has been appointed Host Nation of the AFC Asian Cup in 2015 also presents a unique opportunity.

In finalising our submission, we would like to consider the views of the Australian football family – fans, players, clubs, corporates and more – about how Australia could or should engage more broadly and deeply throughout the Asian region through our great game. Given the vastness and diversity of our football family, many of whom are of Asian origin, it would be remiss of us not to give you a voice.

Leave a comment below or discuss your thoughts on Twitter by using the #FFAasiancentury hash tag. FFA will monitor your suggestions and incorporate them into our submission as best we can.

We look forward to some lively debate and your thoughtful submissions.

Australia in the Asian Century White Paper – Background

The Australian Government has commissioned a White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century to consider the likely economic and strategic changes in the region and what more can be done to position Australia for the Asian Century. Specifically, the paper will include:

* the current and likely future course of economic, political and strategic change in Asia, encompassing China, India, the key ASEAN countries as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea;

* the domestic economic and social opportunities and challenges of the Asian Century for Australia;

* opportunities for a significant deepening of our engagement with Asia across the board, including in the economy, science and technology collaboration, clean energy, education, business-to-business and people-to-people links and culture;

* the political and strategic implications of the Asian Century for Australia; and

* the role of effective economic and political regional and global cooperation.

More information on the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper may be found on the Australian Government website – www.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au