My Reflection in the South Australian Parliamentary Internship (SAPI) program coordinated by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia

It's astonishing how swiftly my internship with the Hon. Tung Ngo MLC in the South Australian Legislative Council passed. The significant events such as the formation of the 2022 Australian government, outcomes of the Council elections, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the military coup in Myanmar have been pivotal moments during my time at the South Australian Parliament House.

Belonging to Myanmar's Zomi ethnic minority, my experiences, especially during my internship, have been deeply influenced by significant and transformative events, notably the military coup in Myanmar. The repercussions of these events have been extensive, resulting in the displacement, loss of life, and profound trauma experienced by millions of individuals across Myanmar. The gravity of these consequences has not only shaken the social fabric of the country but has also contributed to a substantial disruption in the broader international order that had been established in the aftermath of World War II.

The military coup has not only affected the internal dynamics of Myanmar but has reverberated globally, challenging the principles of democracy, human rights, and stability. The displacement of people, loss of lives, and the pervasive trauma endured by the population underscore the far-reaching consequences of such upheavals. This upheaval, in turn, has implications for the post-World War II international order, as it poses challenges to established norms and calls into question the commitment to principles that underpin global peace and cooperation. As a member of the Zomi ethnic minority, these profound impacts have undoubtedly shaped my perspective and heightened my awareness of the broader socio-political implications of such transformative events.

Hailing from a refugee background and fueled by a profound interest in Australian politics, my anticipation for the commencement of the South Australian Parliamentary Internship Program 2022 was palpable. This initiative, a collaborative venture involving the South Australian Parliament and three distinguished universities in the region—namely, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia—offered a distinctive and valuable opportunity for me.

The program represented a gateway for me to explore the nuances of the Australian parliamentary system, a subject I've long been eager to delve into. My aspiration is to acquire a profound and comprehensive understanding of the system's inner workings, particularly in relation to how it consistently produces leaders of exceptional quality. This curiosity is driven by a desire to discern the factors and mechanisms that distinguish the Australian parliamentary system, setting it apart as a model that yields high-caliber leaders, a phenomenon that stands out on the global stage in comparison to other parliamentary systems. This internship, therefore, serves as a means for me to bridge my theoretical interest in Australian politics with practical experiences and insights gained within the heart of the South Australian political landscape.

During my tenure at the Hon. Tung's office, my primary focus was on matters related to Myanmar, and I actively engaged in a research project with the aim of gaining a thorough understanding of the integration challenges and opportunities encountered by the Myanmar community in South Australia. This research venture involved conducting interviews with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds within the Myanmar community, spanning newly arrived refugees, those who had established their lives in South Australia over a decade ago, and individuals across different age groups.

The intent of the project was to delve comprehensively into the complexities of the integration process, taking into account the varied experiences and perspectives within the Myanmar community. The inclusion of participants from different time frames of settlement and age brackets added layers of nuance to the research, offering a more holistic view of the community's journey in South Australia.

It's noteworthy that, recognizing the sensitivity of the information shared, certain interviewees chose to maintain anonymity, underscoring the importance of respecting privacy and ensuring a safe space for open and candid discussions. This approach aimed to capture a diverse range of voices within the Myanmar community while upholding ethical considerations throughout the research process.

The project entails engaging in interviews with key figures, including leaders from the United Myanmar Community in South Australia and directors associated with Australia's Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights, and Peace. The overarching goal is to delve into the complexities of the challenges faced by the Myanmar community and to seek viable solutions that facilitate their successful integration into the wider South Australian community.

Through these interviews, the project aims to gain a more profound understanding of the unique obstacles and issues that the Myanmar community encounters. This insight is crucial for formulating strategies and initiatives that can effectively address the identified challenges, fostering a smoother integration process.

Beyond its impact on the understanding of the Myanmar community's challenges, the project has provided an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The acquired knowledge has extended to a heightened comprehension of parliamentary procedures, shedding light on the practical responsibilities borne by parliamentarians. Additionally, the project has offered valuable insights into the specific difficulties faced by the Myanmar population in South Australia, contributing to a more comprehensive awareness of the broader socio-political landscape within the region. Overall, the experience has been instrumental in broadening perspectives and enriching understanding across multiple domains, from community dynamics to parliamentary intricacies.

Throughout my internship, I've been fortunate to establish connections with various individuals, including fellow Australians, Members of Parliament, and Australian Parliament staff, all while actively contributing to a range of diverse initiatives. Engaging in advocacy work has provided me with the unique privilege of listening to the personal journeys of these individuals as they shared their experiences of working within Parliament House. This has allowed me to gain firsthand insights into the intricacies of the parliamentary system, witnessing how it effectively functions and organizes its busy schedules.

A particularly memorable aspect of my 12-week internship involved meaningful interactions with Australian parliamentary leaders. This experience went beyond a mere exchange of ideas; it provided a valuable opportunity to understand the expectations associated with the internship. Additionally, participating in dedicated exercises focused on leadership and professional development enhanced my skill set and knowledge base. These encounters with parliamentary leaders not only broadened my understanding of the political landscape but also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth during the internship period.

As a student specializing in International Relations with a focus on Politics, I recognized the potential value of engaging in a parliamentary internship to enrich my academic journey. Throughout this internship, I actively cultivated the ability to collaborate with parliamentary members whose political stances diverged from my own. This proved to be a pivotal experience, challenging me to navigate and understand perspectives that were different from mine. The opportunity for self-challenge during this period not only fostered adaptability but also prompted me to broaden my outlook by considering matters from alternative viewpoints. Importantly, this hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the intricate workings of the parliamentary system, providing a more comprehensive insight into the dynamics of political decision-making and governance.

The experiences, skills, and insights gathered over the past few months have been immeasurable in value. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers of the South Australian Parliamentary Internship Program, as well as the generous donors and sponsors who played a crucial role in making this opportunity possible. Moving forward, I am dedicated to actively contributing to the Myanmar community, championing the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, and vehemently opposing military aggression and dictatorship. I extend special gratitude to Hon. Tung Ngo MLC and Office Manager Suzanne Kellett for their unwavering guidance throughout the internship, providing me with an exceptionally empowering experience. The lessons I've gleaned from this program are substantial, and I am confident that the acquired skills will prove beneficial in my future endeavors. I eagerly look forward to the continued support from the Parliament of South Australia in advocating for and assisting the people of Myanmar.

Author:

Go Suan Pau earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in International Relations from the University of South Australia. He currently serves as the President of the Australia Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights, and Peace. Additionally, he undertook an internship at the Diplomacy Training Program within the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Go Suan Pau is a frequent contributor of articles addressing socio-political issues concerning Myanmar.