As far as refugees coming on Indonesian boats is concerned, it's a regional issue.
Poirot,
You're wrong because you're not thinking far enough. Look at it again, think again & then see what you see. Believe it, it is a global agenda, it only looks regional.

Well individual I agree with you, in part.
It is a global issue.
And too a regional issue.
Different people using some times different methods.
While UNHCR is blind to the issue, we need to localize the problem.
And all over the world use regional solutions.
We and for that matter should ignore no tool in stopping economic refugees .
If we could change the wording of the UNHCR document on refugees,we could over night stop the problem.
UN should focus on jobs and income in the places these folk come from first.

onthebeach,

I wasn't referring to individual service, or servicemen and women.

I was referring to chest-thumping on an international scale. Australia is not, and never has been, in a position to stand up as an autonomous military power on larger scale international issues.

We depend on our alliance with leading world powers for our protection from major invasion. And we assist them when called upon.

......

individual,

On the subject of refugees coming to Australia by boat from Indonesia, it is a regional issue.

Of course the diaspora from Middle-Eastern and North African countries is a global issue....one which probably can't be halted. There have been many great migrations throughout history - this is merely one more instance.

Poirot,

Thank you for your explanation. I would be happy too for an Australian PM and Foreign Minister who did not believe they are God's gift to the world and presume to give advice to other countries wherever they go. Although much of the posing is aimed at justifying at home their frequent international travel.

Dear worldwatcher,

I'd like you to read the following link:

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3886792.html

I think it sums things up rather well.

I am optimistic about a regional solution.
As the PM indicated - things may not change
overnight but this is about building foundations
that can be built on.

Dear Poirot,

The establishment of the Indonesia - Australia
Red Meat and Cattle Forum - a $60 million ten
year initiative to boost investment in the Red Meat
agri business sector in Indonesia will be good for
Australian beef industry, good for Indonesian
investors and good also for consumers. The NT's
Cattlemen's Association welcomed the support for
increased live export quotas.

As you stated previously - not bad for a PM who's
only been back for such a short time.

Economic refugees transiting through Indonesia is a regional issue.

Boats headed for Australia is a domestic issue.

Turning the boats around is a domestic unilateral issue, as is detention, imprisonment of smugglers, deportation of unsuccessful claimants, not processing those that have destroyed their documents etc.

Rudd has come away empty handed, with only an offer of further meetings. It is clear that Indonesia does not care whether asylum seekers go to Australia since Juliar screwed up the cattle trade.