It was Geoffrey Blainey’s famous book, ‘ The Tyranny Of Distance’ that crystallised Australia’s realposition in the world, but it was in WA that Curtin University’s former head of humanities, ProfessorColin Brown who cleverly coined the phrase, ‘ The Tyranny of Closeness’ when referring to our nearest neighbour, Indonesia. According to Professor Brown, the problem with being very close neighbours is that not only do you “tend to peer into each other’s backyard, but also from time-to-time do things that actually annoy each other”. Thes…
Tony Abbott’s new Coalition government is facing its first diplomatic test as Indonesia reacts with outrage over the alleged spying within their country by Australian officials based at our embassy in Jakarta. The reaction from Indonesia’s foreign minister, Dr Marty Natalegawa, has been so critical and outspoken that it has been suggested Indonesia may even withdraw support from Australia on a number of programs, including people smuggling. Whilst most countries would be incensed to learn that they are being spied upon (just look at G…
“Down, down, prices are down”. If you haven’t heard this ditty by now you probably live on Mars. Most of us find it rather annoying, yet it is such a catchy tune– thanks to Status Quo from the seventies era - it’s hard to get it out of your mind! And whilst Coles are reaping the rewards from their campaign to bring prices down, down , there is another reality facing both the retailers and consumers alike: Our obesity levels are, “Up, up and staying up”. Ironically, as we celebrate our young athletes at the Olympics, the reality for man…
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