Parrot,

Abbott has achieved in one week what Labor failed to do in 5 years. The bilateral meetings have a far greater chance of reaching real solutions.

And differing from Labor, each discussion will not be broadcast.

Abbott has promised to respect the sovereignty of Indonesia, in small words for the left whingers:
Turning back of the boats will not occur in Indonesian waters without their co operation, Intelligence gathering / buy backs will be done in co operation with Indonesia not alone.

Boat arrivals have dropped drastically, and who ever arrives is sent within 48hrs to Nauru or Manus, not labor's pitiful gesture of a few asylum seekers of thousands.

Poirot, "Hope you enjoy watching Tony bumble (embarrassingly) through the visit...because they'll be shoving him back in his box the minute he arrives home"

Negative speculative gossip. Your Twitter source and started by you. Too many fruity Martinis and over-tight corsets affecting your thinking? LOL

otb, SM,

You're both full of it.

"Abbott has promised to respect the sovereignty of Indonesia..."

As I pointed out, it's an indictment upon the conduct of this govt that he should have to highlight such a fundamental aspect of our relationship.

He only announced such a thing because his govt had dented the relationship to such an extent, that it became an issue.

How long has this joker been in power?

And already he's having to reassure a close neighbour against the prospect of their sovereignty being disrespected.

The Abbott govt created that circumstance - no-one else.

Tony was forced to drop the bravado he and his cronies adopt for domestic consumption.

Backing away, tip-toeing, he knows he'll have to rely on diplomacy and co-operation.

Piorot,

<<Tony [is]...Backing away... yada yada yada >>

That's not the way I heard it. Did you hear his interview or, are your as usual reading what some lefty reporter is telling you he said?

Poirot,

This is not Twitter. You are becoming strident, hysterical and endlessly repetitive.

Take an Earl Grey, a brace of your favourite 'low-fat' choc-chip muffins with double cream topping and a rest.

Dear Poirot,

I watched the interview in full.

It made me cringe.

Where was the leader this country deserved?

If he crawled any further up the Indonesian President's
rear - Abbott would have been behind him.

Than I watched the Indonesian female Pollie on Lateline
and she had the typical Indonesian demeanour making it
quite clear that it was not against any law in
Indonesia to take people by boat to anywhere these
people wanted to go (including Australia). They were
not "people smugglers," they were merely providing a
"service." And so on and so forth.

What exactly did Mr Abbott achieve? Except kiss backsides
big time.

I guess Mr Abbott finds that of all the available
alternatives - kissing rear-ends is best.