Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

[azureline**]

AUSTRALIANS caught in emergencies overseas could be billed for the cost of government assistance, following a review of the operations of the Department of Foreign Affairs' consular services. Hundreds of Australians seek help from the government each year, many in situations caused by their own carelessness or criminal actions.

So, just those who cause it themselves, or everyone? Kind of defeats the purpose of having a consulate in those countries? perhaps best they close them down, send the officials home and only go when called upon.

[debra9275]

it seems wrong to me.

If it's about the money (as it usually is) i would rather see us cut foreign aid somewhere and support Australian citizens who need help for whatever reasons in foregn countries. We do pay our taxes after all to fund the consulate staff.

[icyfroth]

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@debra9275 wrote:

it seems wrong to me.

If it's about the money (as it usually is) i would rather see us cut foreign aid somewhere and support Australian citizens who need help for whatever reasons in foregn countries. We do pay our taxes after all to fund the consulate staff.

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Totally agree.

[spotweldersfriend]

Says Julie Bishop who used tax payers money to attend AFL matches.

[lakeland27]

this government has already cut foreign aid.

[twinkles**stars]

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@azureline** wrote:

AUSTRALIANS caught in emergencies overseas could be billed for the cost of government assistance, following a review of the operations of the Department of Foreign Affairs' consular services. Hundreds of Australians seek help from the government each year, many in situations caused by their own carelessness or criminal actions.

So, just those who cause it themselves, or everyone? Kind of defeats the purpose of having a consulate in those countries? perhaps best they close them down, send the officials home and only go when called upon.

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If a situation is the fault of the person in question then maybe they should be charged? Would have to be deemed unknowingly caused the situation to recieve free help?

Too many take chances knowing they can call for help if they get caught.

[cherry*135]

Taxpayers pay the Govt tax, for the Govt to distribute where needed. This Govt trying to add on fees or surcharges ($ 5-6 bulk billing clinics, user pays High Commissions oseas) is not on imo.

They might as well increas GST instead of fiddling around trying to get $5 off some people at bulk bill clinincs. The clinics staff will have to collect and account for tht $5.. the Clinic will probably add an admin fee onto the $5 and up and up the cost will go.

The bulk bill clinics in my area are free for everyone with a valid medicare card.

[***super_nova***]

Citizens of a country always had the right of assistance if they get in strife in foreign country.  To try to reduce that right is disgraceful. 

[icyfroth]

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@***super_nova*** wrote:

Citizens of a country always had the right of assistance if they get in strife in foreign country.  To try to reduce that right is disgraceful. 

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Totally  agree.

[spotweldersfriend]

Hmmm.Must be about time to introduce the CAL-Consular Assistance Levy.They have the mandate you know.