OZ Defence depends on Beijing OK

[Garpal Gumnut]

It is interesting that we haggle over market direction, charts, financial markets and life in general, the Australian way of life, our children's future etc etc..

Meanwhile our Federal Government is alleged in this article from the Sydney Morning Herald to have our Defence Minister receiving benefits from people alleged to be connected to the Chinese leadership.


Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon tonight revealed he had failed to declare two trips to China paid for by family friend Helen Liu, who has close ties to Beijing.

Mr Fitzgibbon apologised for not declaring the trips taken in 2002 and 2005 when he was an Opposition MP after he earlier today said he had only ever exchanged "small gifts'' with the Chinese-born businesswoman, who has been a family friend for 16 years.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/joel...ting-gifts-from-liu-family-20090326-9bt7.html

Is this a Labor phenomenon.

Are we back to 1975.

Or is it a temporary aberration?

gg

 

[beerwm]

Does it say what the trips were for?

If it was a personal visit 'family friend', why wouldnt u pay yourself?

 

[sam76]

Yep, especially on his salary at the time...

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

Does it say what the trips were for?

If it was a personal visit 'family friend', why wouldnt u pay yourself?

Yep, especially on his salary at the time...

At least he files reports on what he's been up to and where he has been .

http://www.asiarooms.com/china/beijing/harmony-hotel-reviews/177761.html

I will fight anyone who says our Defence Minister does not do useful research when in Beijing.

gg

 

[doctorj]

At least he files reports on what he's been up to and where he has been

Good find.

Could it be related to http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/06/07/australia.china.diplomat/

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

Good find.

Could it be related to http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/06/07/australia.china.diplomat/

Thanks.

Good post.

He's on top of it !!

http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/512-46134.aspx

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

another quote from Joel


Fitzgibbon calls for Afghan surge

"* Anne Davies, Washington
* July 17, 2008

A MILITARY "surge" in Afghanistan, similar to that in Iraq, combined with more urgent diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, is required, if NATO-led forces want victory there, Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said during his first official visit to the US.

Mr Fitzgibbon's assessment of the war came in a speech to the Brookings Institution, co-sponsored by Sydney's Lowy Institute.

Later, in an interview with The Age, he warned that unless troop numbers were substantially bolstered, and China was enlisted to help with the diplomatic effort in Pakistan, terrorist groups and the Taliban could reassert themselves in the region."

http://www.theage.com.au/world/fitzgibbon-calls-for-afghan-surge-20080716-3gbz.html

gg