Or alternatively how about increasing the number of consular officials and diplomats to adequately cover consular AND reporting functions?

Hugh's statistics appear highly selective. Perhaps staff levels have declined in many Embassies. Perhaps restoring the numbers to previous levels may be the answer.

I realise staff INCREASES is probably an outrageous suggestion when annual reductions in Public Service staff levels (with inevitably extravagant spending on contractors) is a politised certainty for an aspirant to the Defence Department Secretaryship.

Pete

How hilarious is this article!

Especially considering the Australian Strategic Policy Institute is a Howard government conception.

In the age where Australians are being told that it is particularly special and a privilege to be an Australian, to the point where anybody who wants to gain Australian nationality needs to pass a special test just to make sure you 'fit the mold' comes an article which is a whine when said Australians falling for this, call upon their government when overseas.

What, it is not that special to be an Australian after all? Or does this whine only pertain to some Australians?

Diplomatic posts are not just for organizing trade deals, issuing visas or as a cushy place where politicians past their use by date can be sent to go on a cocktail circuit moaning about citizens.