Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

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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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

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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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas


@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.


Totally agree.

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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

Says Julie Bishop who used tax payers money to attend AFL matches.
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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

this government has already cut foreign aid.

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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas


@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.


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.

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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

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.

 

 

 

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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

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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Voltaire: โ€œThose Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities, Can Make You Commit Atrocitiesโ€ .
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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas


@***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. 


Totally  agree.

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Ms Bishop. Consular fee for Australians in strife overseas

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