The Abbott Government

[AAA]

'
Much to the disappointment of the ABC, Fairfax press. the Greens and Tanya Plibersek it's now only a matter of time before normal relations with Indonesia are resumed thanks to Abbott's diplomacy. Those wishing for ructions with the Nationals over disruption to the live cattle trade will also have to pin their hopes on other things.

- See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nat...y-fn59nm2j-1226769119408#sthash.cviAXWdj.dpuf

Well done Tony Abbott.

 

[bunyip]

Now SBY wants Australia to sign up to a code of conduct to ensure there won’t be any more phone tapping.
That might just have some merit – at least it would give the Labor Party some much needed guidance on how to behave should they ever get back into government.

 

[Calliope]

Hmmm, I would use the word "despite' rather than "thanks to".

Of course you would. You obviously share the Plibersek attitude that Abbott can do nothing right.

Earlier, Labor frontbencher Brendan O'Connor, an immigration minister under Julia Gillard, said the Abbott government "failed to fully appreciate" the gravity of the scandal.

"The fact that it's taken so long for Indonesia to respond (to the Abbott letter) is of some concern," Mr O'Connor told Sky News. "Clearly they are disappointed with the government's response."

His remarks followed similar criticism by Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek, who on Sunday accused the government of "missteps" in handling of the affair.

- See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nat...y-fn59nm2j-1226769119408#sthash.3HYTJX0Y.dpuf

 

[bunyip]

Well done Tony Abbott.

I agree – Abbot has done a good job of handling this Labor-created crisis.
He didn’t rush in with an apology for something that he and his government had no part in. Nor should he have.
What he should have done, and what I’m sure he has in fact done in his letter, is express his regret that the Labor Party lowered themselves even further than usual by tapping SBY’s phone. Further, he would have given an assurance that his government won't be copying the lowly behavior of the Labor Party.
And finally, he would have assured SBY that Australia and Indonesia are friends and important trading partners, and the Australian government is fully committed to continuing this relationship to the mutual benefit of our countries.

 

[Whiskers]

Forget the patronising tone, Whiskers. Further, my view of the Labor Party's behaviour throughout this mess is beyond comment. Just woeful.

My view has not changed since we first learned of this situation so I am not 'coming around' at all.

I think you misunderstand again, Julia. What I said was;

"Good to see you coming around, Julia. If more don't start doing so and leaning on their MP's to tone it down and get real, the government will be gone before they know it."​

I was specifically referring to your acknowledgement that;

"Which makes Mr Abbott's failure to quickly and personally contact SBY less than helpful."​

... which reflects a change from previously thinking he was doing a good job and 'hoping' it will turn out ok.

I'm sorry you think I was patronising, but I was not trying to put you down or humiliate you. On the contrary, I was encouraging people like you to get the message to their MP's to tone down the rhetoric, the likes of which got us into this foreign affairs crisis.

I would expect the Foreign Minister to now visit Indonesia to have a heartfelt discussion and get us back on track. I think it may be a bit tough for the economy this time next year and we really don't need this.

I would agree with that also, but I refer back to...

The Indonesian president called for calm on the issue, but said bilateral cooperation would not resume until the Australian Government signs up to behavioural protocols and a code of ethics.​

What that clearly says is that Abbott pushed them too hard, that they at least feel Abbott broke the previous protocols. It might seem odd that a notoriously corrupt country demands a code of ethics, but it's not really... after all there are few code's stronger than for example, honour among thieves.

It's one thing to have a 'misunderstanding', but it's quite another to completely lose trust.

Given the well known political and cultural sensitivities (including corruption and left wing leanings) in Indonesia and their historical black eyes from Aus (such as East Timor which I already said I agreed with Howard on that), it is not going to be easy to restore recent good cooperation and relations.

For me, the longer term consequences were foreseeable and avoidable with better diplomacy. For those who believe the attempt to stop every boat was worth the diplomatic showdown... I hope you thought through the consequences of such rift opening Indonesia to closer relations to the 'east' such as Russia and it's allies.

Regarding Calliope's inference that I am "wishing for ructions with the Nationals over disruption to the live cattle trade", just shows his naivety.

Indonesia are not going to cut off their nose to spite their face as much as Abbott has, but they certainly will change alliances if need be. Indo won't cut cattle imports completely due to their current high local prices, but they are also looking to India and Brazil for future long term contracts and put the purchase of cattle stations in Aus for the purpose of supplying that trade on hold.

It's easy to soothe oneself and hope... that we can win back their trust again... but how many times do you think we can break their trust and expect them to rebuild the relationship.

How do you know this wasn't a bridge too far and that Abbott hasn't burnt all his bridges behind him?

 

[drsmith]

I give up. You can't even admit you were wrong you partisan hack.

Coming back to your original question:

"Did Labor advise they had stripped Gonski funding from those states prior to the election ?"

The answer is yes and you would have known that if you actually had a clue what you were talkign about.

It's perhaps your glasses that need changing.

To repeat, not-for-publication is what is stated against that line item.

The Better Schools ”” treatment of payments for non-participating States and Territories
measure was published in the Economic Statement with the funding not for
publication (nfp) as negotiations were continuing at the time of publication. The
funding profile for this measure is $118.2 million in 2013-14, $222.9 million in 2014-15,
$352.0 in 2015-16 and $510.2 million in 2016-17.

My bolds.

 

[Calliope]

It is understandable that our Abbott haters are very disappointed at Abbott's adroit handling of the Labor induced Indonesian "crisis". For some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed.:screwy:

Plibersek, a Labor greenhorn who is now an "expert" on DFAT matters is typical of these nasties. On the Insiders on Sunday she was critical of Abbott's "misteps" but when pressed on the matter it was obvious she didn't have a clue what she was on about.

 

[dutchie]

It is understandable that our Abbott haters are very disappointed at Abbott's adroit handling of the Labor induced Indonesian "crisis". For some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed.:screwy:

Plibersek, a Labor greenhorn who is now an "expert" on DFAT matters is typical of these nasties. On the Insiders on Sunday she was critical of Abbott's "misteps" but when pressed on the matter it was obvious she didn't have a clue what she was on about.

Well put Calliope.

My bolds

A common theme among Labor leaders (see Electricity Bills response to Indonesia "crisis", pro one day against the next) but Plibersek is trying too hard to be the hard liner without the knowledge to back it up.

She continues to be a clueless smartar$e.

 

[trainspotter]

Yeah, I've head this and more, including that they are considering withdrawing all trade with Aus including live cattle imports... subject to...

The Indonesian president called for calm on the issue, but said bilateral cooperation would not resume until the Australian Government signs up to behavioural protocols and a code of ethics.​

Don't know the full detail of what they are demanding... but I suspect it's going to be a too bitter pill for Abbott to swallow at least very soon.

Also, as if there are not enough defections and dictatorial behaviour in coalition ranks around the states, the loss of trade with Indonesia will p!ss off Nationals, no end... that's before you even consider the economic impacts.

Good God man you are slow on the uptake when it comes to politics. Bang Bang wants the cattle industry for himself and for it to flourish in Indonesia !!!

The government is encouraging local and foreign investors to invest in Indonesia’s cattle industry not only in livestock breeding but also in storage and transportation facilities to help cater to the growing demand for meat, a senior official has said.

In addition to breeding technology, Indonesia still needs more investment to provide modern meat storage and transportation facilities in order to cope with distribution bottlenecks in the vast archipelago, Deputy Trade Minister Bayu Krisnamurthi said in Jakarta on Thursday

Breeding cattle and providing meat as well as livestock transportation facilities offer promising business opportunities, because the demand for meat in Indonesia is growing rapidly, he said, adding that although the per capita consumption is still relatively low, it is increasing sharply due to the growing middle-class bracket, he said.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/11/15/investors-invited-enter-growing-cattle-industry.html



Meanwhile across the Java and East China Sea the sabre rattling is coming thick and fast.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to demand an explanation from the Singaporean and South Korean ambassadors over their alleged involvement in wiretapping operations.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...n-singapore-south-korea-over-wiretapping.html

*sniff sniff*smell familiar? .... is that an election in the air?

Screwing another trading partner for a better deal perhaps?

 

[trainspotter]

Some journalists know what to write about Bang Bang now don't they !!

JAKARTA (REUTERS) - His popularity is sliding in the polls. Accusations of graft are mounting against political allies. The once-powerful economy is limping.

As Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono struggles in the twilight of his second term with elections looming next year, this week's diplomatic brawl with Australia offers an opportunity to stoke nationalist sentiment and rebuild support.

A storm of resentment against Australia has blown up after reports emerged that Canberra spied on top Indonesians including, most sensitive of all, Mr Yudhoyono's wife.

But the indignation underscores an uncomfortable truth for the president: his administration is growing increasingly irrelevant and the nationalist fervour is unlikely to provide enough momentum to revive his lame-duck presidency.

"You can see the people who are out there supporting us in the streets ... I think our ratings in opinion polls will definitely go up because everyone is uniting behind the president and behind the Democratic Party because our response has been very firm."

http://www.trust.org/item/20131122075149-bbfht

Oh Oh .... now he is accusing his 2 biggest trading partners of spying as well ....... *yawn*

 

[Julia]

Of course you would. You obviously share the Plibersek attitude that Abbott can do nothing right.

No wonder anyone with a remotely non-partisan, moderate view just gives up and leaves this forum. You regard anyone who doesn't share your uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong as an "Abbott Hater".

Considering this, along with the relentless repetition of spurious advice to everyone from Whiskers who is apparently permitted to harass others with impunity, there's little reason to attempt to contribute.

 

[Calliope]

No wonder anyone with a remotely non-partisan, moderate view just gives up and leaves this forum.You regard anyone who doesn't share your uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong as an "Abbott Hater".

Considering this, along with the relentless repetition of spurious advice to everyone from Whiskers who is apparently permitted to harass others with impunity, there's little reason to attempt to contribute.

I clearly defined the Abbott haters as those who "for some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed."

If you or any others with a non-partisan moderate view consider that this somehow includes you then I humbly apologise. It wasn't intended.

Incidently, I don't have an "uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong". To the contrary, but on the Indo situation I can't fault him.

 

[noco]

I clearly defined the Abbott haters as those who "for some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed."

If you or any others with a non-partisan moderate view consider that this somehow includes you then I humbly apologise. It wasn't intended.

Incidently, I don't have an "uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong". To the contrary, but on the Indo situation I can't fault him.

+1 Calliope. The left wing socialist don't like any Abbott success...they want him to FAIL...FAIL....FAIL.

What a grubby lot they are.

 

[Macquack]

+1 Calliope. The left wing socialist don't like any Abbott success...they want him to FAIL...FAIL....FAIL.

What a grubby lot they are.

You were prolific on ASF, preaching for the failure of both the Rudd and Gillard governments.


What does that make you then, Noco?

 

[IFocus]

Page 36 dummy:

http://www.treasury.gov.au/~/media/...cal Outlook 2013/Downloads/PDF/PEFO_2013.ashx

You are still going to maintain your bull**** position that the Coalition didn't know about the $1.2 billion prior to the election?

Either Dr was / is drunk or messing with your head the funding issue has been well enough covered to show Coalition claims as straight out lying.

It appears now to be a mute point as it appears to be the media's fault for "not understanding"

Still new government likely to make mistakes just these guys appearing be straight out braking promisers (Labors fault) or straight out lying (still Labors fault).

What we are seeing is the result of a populous (deceitful) opposition get elected.

 

[noco]

You were prolific on ASF, preaching for the failure of both the Rudd and Gillard governments.


What does that make you then, Noco?

I did not have to preach the failure of Rudd and Gillard.,....they did that all by themselves and they were failures.

You just can't stand any Abbott success...it really bugs you.

 

[IFocus]

I clearly defined the Abbott haters as those who "for some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed."

If you or any others with a non-partisan moderate view consider that this somehow includes you then I humbly apologise. It wasn't intended.

Incidently, I don't have an "uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong". To the contrary, but on the Indo situation I can't fault him.

No one I know wants Australia hurt so Abbott can fail certainly no one here on ASF.

But since you bring it up Abbott banging on about boat people in opposition was inciting smugglers to send more to Australia thats using the current Coalition reasons for not commenting as a guide.

 

[Calliope]

No one I know wants Australia hurt so Abbott can fail certainly no one here on ASF.

I appreciate your apparently sincere assurance that everyone you know and all ASF posters want Abbott's boat policies to succeed, and that you are supportive of his actions to restore Australian/Indonesian relations, and regain the trust of SBY, which was jeopardized by intelligence activities during the Rudd regime.

 

[banco]

Either Dr was / is drunk or messing with your head the funding issue has been well enough covered to show Coalition claims as straight out lying.

I think he's just one of those Grandpa Simpson types who gets their news from Alan Jones and doesn't actually know or understand anything about Government processes. He still doesn't seem to understand the difference between the the Economic Statement and the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Outlook (which is-hint, hint-published before the election).

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

I clearly defined the Abbott haters as those who "for some bizarre reason they want to see our foreign policies fail, the cattle trade to collapse and the people smugglers to succeed."

If you or any others with a non-partisan moderate view consider that this somehow includes you then I humbly apologise. It wasn't intended.

Incidently, I don't have an "uncritical conviction that Mr Abbott can do no wrong". To the contrary, but on the Indo situation I can't fault him.

+1 Calliope. The left wing socialist don't like any Abbott success...they want him to FAIL...FAIL....FAIL.

What a grubby lot they are.

My contacts in the Jakarta Post tell me all is well with the Australia-Indonesia relationship again.

Consistency and safe hands has won out again for Mr.Abbott.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/11/27/sby-seems-satisfied-with-abbott-s-response.html

Although he had indicated that his Australian counterpart had not fully responded to his demand for a full answer concerning wiretapping allegations, as conveyed in his letter to the Australian leader last week, overall President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono felt encouraged by Tony Abbott’s promise that such a practice would not happen in the future.

Surprisingly, apart from talking about Australia, Yudhoyono also said he had ordered Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to summon the ambassadors of Singapore and South Korea over media reports that their governments had also engaged in wiretapping here.

The President also implied that Abbott did not apologize for the bugging of telephone conversations of several top Indonesian officials, including spying on the President himself and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono. Many Indonesians have insisted that Australia apologize for the blatant violation of Indonesia’s trust.

The President also pointed out that he would send a special envoy to settle all problems caused by the espionage conducted by the Australian intelligence agency, and that further discussions between the two countries were still important to restore the relations between the two members of the G20.

It is not difficult to negotiate when you have sure hands at the tiller such as Tony Abbott and his Cabinet.

Such a change from the instability of the Rudd/Gillard experiment.

gg