Australia's position within the Pacific region... (1 Viewer)

[Generator]

A general thread given that there are many issues that may be discussed.

I'll start it off with this article.

What are your thoughts?

It's clear that no matter the federal government's position the act has caused quite a bit of damage. Also, I for one find it strange that the PM was not made aware of the procedure and of the fact that he could go through the security check in private beforehand. Of course, that itself could be the fault of his own advisors, but surely the security staff at the airport should be allowed to use their discretion in such cases to determine where and when the check must take place? Should we be allowing senior foreign politicians to be publically humiliated in such a way merely because they are not aware of our security procedures?

Edit 1:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/PNG-up-in-arms-over-shoe-check/2005/04/08/1112815729107.html

The incident occurred on March 24, when Sir Michael set off a metal detector while in transit through Brisbane.

Customs officials offered to check the shoes in a private room to spare Sir Michael any embarrassment but it did not placate the PNG leader.

Well.

Edit 2: See this post (post 17) for the most recent issue.

 

[neo o]

"We are going to refuse your aid until you say sorry." If only the Aborigines did the same thing.

Personally I think it's a bit of a fiasco, but as the article says, an apology for maintaining security is inappropriate.

 

[braad]

it's stupid...security is security...just because he's the PNG PM dusnt mean he shouldnt have 2 be security checked

 

[Abbeygale]

Seems like the PNG PM is being a bit precious really. Whine. I had to take off my shoes for three seconds.

I don't really see how being asked to remove his shoes is publicly humiliating him.

 

[braad]

Seems like the PNG PM is being a bit precious really. Whine. I had to take off my shoes for three seconds.

I don't really see how being asked to remove his shoes is publicly humiliating him.

shows he's co-operating with australia??

maybe the fact he was told to, or asked...belittling the lil fella maybe...??

 

[inasero]

Nobody is above the law...Australia shouldnt have to apologize but perhaps we could be more cuturally sensitive in the future. The "special government screening preocedures" or whatever sounds like a good idea.

 

[leetom]

How did he become 'Sir' Michael? Was he really knighted? If so, he can just declare his revulsion of the idea of being handled by lesser airport personnel. He is a knight afterall.

 

[Generator]

There is no need for that, Argonaut.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

As for australia's position in the region, if you look at our positions on alot of issues, we're very closely aligned with the positions of asian countries and thus i'd say we're probably respected at least as a partial asian country... I dunno, there is the cultural divide etc...

As for this matter.... Can you imagine John Howard yelling things about say... malaysia after going through a security check?
This reminds me so much of the days of old, when a king or queen would get mad at countries due to personal insults lol

 

[ohne]

How did he become 'Sir' Michael? Was he really knighted? If so, he can just declare his revulsion of the idea of being handled by lesser airport personnel. He is a knight afterall.

Yes he was knighted. Papua New Guinea is actually far more loyal to the Monarchy than we are. They still have Knighthoods and the Imperial honours system.

 

[stamos]

The government should apologise for not conducting the security check in a proper fashion, rather than apologising for conducting a security check.

This is an incredibly petty thing to strain relations over, and a problem that could be easily solved.

 

[spell check]

haha what a big girl

 

[Vangineer]

screw politics, the world should be communist!!

 

[Generator]

*bump*

PNG celebrates 30 years of independence from Australia tomorrow.

ABC News - G-G works on PNG ties

Dateline - The Two Worlds of Sir Michael Somare


On another note... The ADF is moving to hire mercenaries (or some claim) - ABC News - Govt eyes Pacific islands for ADF boost

 

[loquasagacious]

I don't see anything wrong with hiring 'mercenaries'. The French Foriegn Legion is technically a mercenary unit. The US army does a very similar thing and in both cases on completion of service mercenaries are awarded citizenship. Which is something we already do for perm. resaidents who join up.

As far as claims it would taint the ADF, thats just racism plain and simple.

 

[Generator]

*bump*

Report backs Pacific workers for rural sector